UNPAID ARREARS: ASUU DECLARES INDEFINITE STRIKE AT PLATEAU VARSITY

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Plateau State University, Bokkos chapter, has declared a total and indefinite strike over unresolved demands concerning staff welfare, salary arrears and the implementation of agreements with the Federal Government.

The union announced the industrial action on Wednesday after its congress meeting, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the university management on August 11.

ASUU said the university administration had failed to satisfactorily address its six-point charter of demands despite the expiration of the ultimatum.

Among the demands are the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme, full implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement and payment of arrears dating from January 1, 2026.

The union is also demanding the payment of 22 months’ arrears of the 25/35 per cent wage award, provision of safe and secure staff quarters, and construction of trenches around the university’s perimeter fence.

ASUU further called for an end to what it described as the intimidation of union leaders.

In a statement signed by the branch Chairperson, Vincent D. Choji, and Secretary, Lomka Kopdiya, the union said its members had been left with no option after the demands remained unresolved.

Following approval from the union’s National Executive Council, ASUU directed its members to suspend all academic activities until further notice.

The strike adds Plateau State University to a growing list of Nigerian universities where ASUU branches have taken industrial action over unpaid salaries, allowances and implementation of agreed conditions of service.

The development is expected to disrupt academic activities at the institution until negotiations between the union and university authorities lead to a resolution.

ASUU has urged the relevant authorities to address the outstanding issues and create conditions that will allow academic activities to resume.