Plateau University ASUU Prepares for Indefinite Strike Over Agreement Violation

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch at Plateau University in Plateau State, Nigeria, has threatened an indefinite strike, citing the state government’s failure to honor the agreement signed with the union and the Federal Government in 2025. Addressing a press conference in Jos, the Union President Dr. Vincent Choji expressed concerns, announcing that members unanimously decided on this course of action at a general meeting on 13 May. The primary reason for the move towards a strike is the government’s arbitrary extension of the implementation period under the pretext of examining the financial and administrative aspects of the agreement regulating staff rights and conditions. The union leadership stated that they find bureaucratic hurdles faced by educational institutions unacceptable despite their legal autonomy and have warned the government regarding a solution. The delay in implementing the federal agreement locally risks creating serious industrial unrest between education workers and management.

Despite the union handing over the official text of the 2025 agreement to the university management in February, it claims no concrete action has been taken, criticizing the lack of transparency and speed in the process. The government’s response on 18 May indicated that steps would be taken after reviewing the contents and financial implications of the agreement; however, the union views the fact that nearly six months have passed without completion as a primary delay. Dr. Vincent Choji reacted to the deferral of deserved rights under such bureaucratic pretexts, emphasizing the university's autonomous status. This warning from the ASUU National Executive Council serves as a final reminder for the state government to urgently implement the agreement’s provisions. The union notes that such delays not only demotivate members but also destabilize the education system.

In addition to the delays in implementation, the union leadership is demanding concrete steps to resolve issues regarding salary deductions, pension rights, and gratuities for members. Dr. Choji emphasized that the university management’s divisive policies involving arbitrary actions, dismissals, or punishments against union members must end immediately. The threat to employees' economic and social security is a key factor supporting the strike decision. Failure to make due payments on time and the creation of a suppressive atmosphere in the workplace are causing significant discontent in the academic community. If these demands are not met, a complete halt to education and training on the university campus is seen as an inevitable outcome.

Prof. Lawan Abubakar, a former ASUU Zonal Coordinator who was among the speakers, expressed sensitivity to the issue and stated that he preferred the problem be resolved through dialogue rather than executing the strike decision. Abubakar called on the government and university management to urgently implement the agreement provisions to avoid a likely strike scenario that would see institutions close and students suffer. He added that the government’s indifferent attitude so far has tried the patience of education workers and negatively affected industrial peace. He particularly noted that uncertainties regarding retirement and financial rights seriously reduce personnel efficiency and motivation. The speaker argued that the only way to eliminate the possibility of a strike is for the government to fulfill its commitments and address the legitimate demands of the workers.

If the government and university management do not take sufficient measures to meet the conditions put forward by ASUU, the cessation of educational activities seems certain. The indefinite strike decision holds the potential for a major social event that will directly affect not only the academic staff but also thousands of continuing students and their families. Issues such as a decline in education quality and disruption of the academic calendar could also put long-term education goals in the region at risk. While the union is currently tabling these warnings and demands, it emphasizes that it will not hesitate to implement its action plan if no concrete improvement is seen in the coming days. Protecting the rights of education workers, respecting the university management's autonomy, and showing fidelity to agreements are highlighted as the fundamental steps needed to resolve the issue.