The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has directed its members to suspend academic activities following the Ondo State Government’s failure to pay outstanding salaries and arrears.

The directive was outlined in a notice jointly signed by the branch Chairperson, Dr. Boluwaji Oshodi, and Secretary, Dr. Olusegun Taiwo, and made available on Sunday.

According to the union, the decision follows a resolution passed at its Congress on Thursday, August 21, where members unanimously agreed to halt academic work until the government fulfills its financial obligations.

“By this memo, our members have been directed to withdraw their services from all academic activities in the university until all outstanding salaries and arrears are cleared,” the notice stated in part.

This action comes after a 14-day warning strike in June by the Joint Action Committee of Ondo State-owned Tertiary Institutions (ODSTI), which includes ASUU-AAUA. The earlier strike was prompted by persistent neglect of workers’ welfare despite repeated appeals to the state government.

At the time, the committee highlighted multiple grievances, including inadequate funding, non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage, unpaid arrears from previous wage regimes, outstanding gratuities for retirees, and six months of unpaid salaries owed to staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.

Acknowledging the financial pressures on state-owned institutions, the Ondo State Government said efforts are being made to address the issue. Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, stated that a committee has been established to find lasting solutions.

“The committee has met and made recommendations. Regarding the salary arrears, the governor has directed the university to begin payments. I am confident the matter will be resolved in the coming days,” Ajanaku said.

He added that the committee’s recommendations will be incorporated into the state’s next budget cycle to ensure better funding for its tertiary institutions.