Academic activities at Plateau State University Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Branch may soon be paralysed as the union has warned of a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike unless the Plateau State Government immediately implements the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement and addresses other outstanding welfare issues affecting lecturers.
The warning was issued during a press conference in Jos, where the union appealed to the Visitor to the university, Caleb Mutfwang, to urgently release funds for the implementation of the agreement, including the payment of all outstanding arrears.
According to the union, the decision followed the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of Academic Staff Union of Universities held on June 21, 2026, at the Festus Iyayi National Secretariat Complex, University of Abuja. NEC reviewed the implementation of the 2025 Agreement across federal and state universities and expressed concern that some state governments, including Plateau State, were yet to implement key components of the agreement.
ASUU said the outstanding components include the Consolidated Academic and Research Allowance (CARA), Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), Professional Allowance and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA). The union noted that the continued delay has heightened frustration among members despite repeated engagements with the university administration and the state government.
The branch disclosed that it submitted the new salary template contained in the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement to the university management in February 2026. It said the management responded on May 18, 2026, indicating that the state government was studying the agreement and assessing its financial and administrative implications before implementation.
ASUU, however, described the prolonged delay as unacceptable, arguing that Plateau State University is an autonomous institution and that the agreement had already been negotiated and approved for implementation within Nigeria’s public university system. It lamented that while neighbouring state universities have implemented the agreement, lecturers at PLASU continue to suffer the effects of inflation and declining purchasing power.
The union further noted that despite the university’s expansion through increased student enrolment and the establishment of new faculties and departments, lecturers are carrying heavier teaching, research, community service and mentorship responsibilities without corresponding improvements in their welfare.
ASUU also drew attention to unresolved provisions of the 2024 agreement signed between the state government and the union, which led to the suspension of the strike declared in November 2023. While acknowledging progress in implementing some aspects of the agreement, the union said several commitments remain outstanding, including the provision of secure staff quarters, completion of the university’s perimeter fencing, and stable electricity supply within and around the campus.
The union equally expressed concern over delays in resolving issues relating to gratuity and pension for academic staff. Although the Gratuity Board was eventually constituted in February 2026 after months of agitation, ASUU said significant progress has yet to be made on the welfare of retiring lecturers.
ASUU also criticised what it described as management’s hostile response to legitimate union activities, particularly the issuance of a query to the branch secretary over his official duties. The union maintained that the query amounts to victimisation and could further undermine industrial harmony on campus.
According to ASUU, its Congress resolved on May 13, 2026, to apply for strike action, and the request is currently being processed by the union’s zonal and national organs.
The union therefore appealed to Governor Caleb Mutfwang to urgently provide funds for the implementation of the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement, including payment of arrears effective January 1, 2026, while also addressing all other outstanding issues. It further called on members of the public and other stakeholders to prevail on the Plateau State Government to act swiftly in order to avert a looming total, comprehensive and indefinite strike.
The statement was read by Prof. Lawal Abubakar, immediate past ASUU Bauchi Zone Coordinator, on behalf of Prof. Namu, and was attended by the Chairman of ASUU-PLASU Branch, Dr. Vincent Choji, executive members of the branch, past union leaders and other members.
