Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Academic staff at Father Adasu University in Makurdi, Benue State, have issued a formal ultimatum to the university’s management, warning that unresolved welfare issues may soon force them to halt academic activities. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FAUM branch, says that repeated attempts to resolve longstanding grievances have yielded little progress, and the continued inaction of the university authorities has pushed members to the brink of industrial action.
The union’s communique, signed by ASUU’s branch secretary, Prof. Daniel Chile, describes a range of concerns that have caused growing frustration among lecturers. Staff members say that salary arrears dating back nearly two years remain unpaid, despite legal provisions tied to the national minimum wage and previously negotiated wage awards. At the same time, promotion entitlements dating as far back as 2018 have not been addressed, and irregularities in the remittance of contributory pension deductions have left many lecturers uncertain about their financial security. There are also persistent shortfalls in the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, a critical component of staff remuneration. According to ASUU, these unresolved issues undermine staff morale and compromise the ability of the university to maintain stable academic operations.
The union reports that it formally raised these matters in January, following directives from its congress, and submitted the 2025 ASUU–Federal Government agreement for local implementation under the current vice-chancellor’s administration. However, management has yet to provide a credible roadmap or timeline for resolving the concerns, leaving staff increasingly frustrated. The matter has been escalated to zonal leadership, which is consulting on potential measures, and could eventually be brought before the National Executive Council, ASUU’s highest decision-making body, to consider broader action should dialogue fail.
This dispute comes against a backdrop of repeated labour unrest at Father Adasu University, reflecting systemic challenges in Nigeria’s public university system. Students and parents are expressing concern over potential disruptions to examinations, graduations, and academic progression. For many, memories of past strikes underscore the tangible impact such industrial action can have on learning outcomes and career timelines. Observers note that repeated stoppages not only strain student advancement but also undermine confidence in state-owned universities and the overall quality of tertiary education.
University management has yet to release a detailed response to ASUU’s ultimatum. Sources familiar with internal discussions indicate that officials are reviewing the union’s claims and exploring ways to engage staff leaders in constructive dialogue. Possible approaches under consideration include establishing dedicated negotiating committees, seeking additional state funding or technical support, and involving mediators to bridge differences.
The standoff highlights the broader tension between academic staff welfare and institutional governance within constrained budgets. Inadequate funding, delayed payments, and administrative inefficiencies are recurring challenges that affect not only staff but the quality of education delivered to students. Analysts warn that without swift resolution, the dispute could have ripple effects beyond the university, influencing public confidence in higher education and prompting students to seek alternatives elsewhere.
As of March 15, 2026, ASUU has signaled that it remains committed to dialogue and internal resolution mechanisms before resorting to full-scale industrial action. Yet with unresolved grievances persisting and deadlines for meaningful responses looming, stakeholders are calling for urgent engagement between the university management and the union to prevent another disruption of academic activities that could have lasting consequences for students, staff, and the broader education sector.
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