The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has approved the commencement of industrial action in 20 federal and state universities over what it described as delays in implementing the 2025 agreement reached with the Federal Government.
The decision followed the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja between August 8 and 9, 2026, where members reviewed the progress of the agreement and other unresolved issues affecting university lecturers.
ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, said the union was dissatisfied with what it called the “haphazard implementation” of the agreement, warning that continued delays could trigger further disruption across the university system.
The affected universities have been given approval to begin industrial action after completing necessary internal procedures within their respective branches.
Among the institutions affected are Adekunle Ajasin University, Nasarawa State University, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Gombe State University, Plateau State University, Ambrose Alli University, Abia State University, Kaduna State University, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Imo State University, Niger Delta University and Taraba State University.
ASUU said the situation varies across institutions, adding that the implementation status of universities within its Lagos Zone is still being assessed.
The union’s concerns include unpaid promotion arrears, delays in implementing salary adjustments, outstanding payments from previous industrial disputes and deductions allegedly not remitted to relevant pension administrators.
ASUU also raised concerns over the financial pressure facing universities, particularly state-owned institutions, where it claimed many governing authorities were struggling to meet salary obligations.
The union further criticised what it described as the victimisation of some branch leaders and members in certain universities, insisting that such actions must stop before any resolution can be reached.
Despite acknowledging ongoing intervention efforts by stakeholders, ASUU said it would continue to push for the full implementation of agreements reached with the government.
The union is expected to hold another NEC meeting in the coming weeks to review developments and determine further steps.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over stability in Nigeria’s public university system, where repeated industrial disputes have continued to disrupt academic calendars and affect students’ learning experiences.
