ASUU, PLASU VOWS TO DOWN TOOLS IF 2025 FGN-ASUU AGREEMENT, OTHER ISSUES ARE NOT IMPLEMENTED
By Peter Azi – Jos
There are strong indications that academic activities at Plateau State University, Bokkos, will soon be grounded as academic staff of the university, under the umbrella of ASUU, have sent a strong message to the Visitor to the University, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to implement the Federal Government of Nigeria–ASUU 2025 Agreement and other pending demands.
The Union issued the warning during a press conference held in the Plateau State capital during the week.
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The statement reads:
“Following the meeting of the National Executive Council, NEC, of ASUU held on Sunday, 21st June 2026, at the Festus Iyayi National Secretariat Complex, University of Abuja, NEC reviewed updates on the implementation of the 2025 Agreement in both federal and state universities, including Plateau State University.
According to the Union, NEC observed that the Visitors of some state universities are yet to implement the 2025 Agreement, specifically the component on allowances. These include the Consolidated Academic and Research Allowance, CARA; Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, CATA; Professional Allowance; and Earned Academic Allowance, EAA.
NEC noted that the agitations and increasing frustrations of members at the branches, arising from the delay in implementation, have reached their climax and have been duly presented to the Government through the university’s administration.
The press briefing is one of the measures directed by the National Executive Council to remind the Visitor to the University, the Governor of Plateau State, that continued delay in implementing the 2025 Agreement and addressing other issues and concerns affecting our members in the University will further worsen industrial harmony.
The Branch submitted the FGN/ASUU Agreement, which reflects the new salary template, to the University’s Management in February 2026.
And on the 18th of May 2026, the Union received a response stating that the government was studying the content to take the necessary steps towards implementation, assessing the financial and administrative implications with a view to aligning them with the state government’s policy direction, and liaising with the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to develop appropriate modalities.
We are outrightly concerned that after six months, these bureaucratic processes are still being observed for a university that is lawfully autonomous, and over a document that was comprehensively negotiated with both state and federal government representatives and approved by the relevant organs for implementation in the Nigerian public university system.
The delay is happening at a time when neighbouring state universities have since implemented the agreement, while money is fast losing its value and the purchasing power of members continues to decline daily.
While the state government and the University Management have continued to enjoy commendations for the institution’s expansion through increased students’ enrollment and the introduction of new faculties and departments, the resulting workload on lecturers is not receiving the attention it deserves.
Our members are carrying increased responsibilities: teaching more courses, conducting research, rendering community service, and mentoring students, yet their welfare is not receiving commensurate attention.
The prompt implementation of the agreement should have been the appropriate response to acknowledge the contributions of staff to the growth of the institution. While we acknowledge the Visitor’s expressed willingness to implement the agreement, only the immediate release of funds for all outstanding payments, including arrears, will resolve the matter.
OUTSTANDING ISSUES IN THE 2024 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND ASUU
On the 21st of February 2024, the State Government and the Union signed an agreement that led to the suspension of the strike action embarked upon on the 9th of November 2023. The strike was intended to persuade the government to fully implement the agreement signed between the state government and ASUU on the 9th of August 2022.
As a Union, we recognize the efforts of the Visitor and the University’s Management in implementing some aspects of the agreement.
However, some provisions remain outstanding. These include inadequate capital projects by the Visitor, such as:
1. Provision of safe and secure staff quarters;
2. Completion of the University’s perimeter fencing; and
3. Stable electricity supply within and around the University environment.
These remain major challenges confronting the University.
The ASUU also expressed concern over pension and gratuity. We are concerned that discussions with the University’s Management and the Governing Council on gratuity and a better pension scheme for academic staff have progressed too slowly.
Lingering issues regarding the constitution of the Gratuity Board were first raised in August 2025. Though the Board was eventually constituted on 23rd February 2026, a meeting is yet to be held to address the pressing issues concerning gratuity for retiring staff.
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE AGITATIONS AT PLASU
The ASUU PLASU Branch is concerned and worried about the recent response from the University’s Management.
While there has been positive feedback on some of the issues raised by the Branch, recent reactions and comments have become matters of serious concern.
Of particular note is the query issued to the Branch Secretary in relation to his responsibilities as Secretary of the Union.
At its Congress meeting of 18th May 2026, the Union demanded the immediate withdrawal of the query, as it constitutes victimization and has the potential to create industrial disharmony.
And at its Congress meeting held on the 13th of May 2026, the Union unanimously resolved to apply for strike action. The application is currently being processed by the Zonal and National organs of ASUU.
We therefore appeal to the Government of Plateau State to make necessary funds available for the implementation of the FGN/ASUU 2025 Agreement at Plateau State University, including the payment of arrears with effect from 1st January 2026, and to address all other outstanding issues.
We also appeal to the general public and all stakeholders within and outside Plateau State to engage the Government of Plateau State with a view to resolving these issues. It is necessary to avert a looming total, comprehensive, and indefinite industrial action.
Reading the text was Prof. Lawal Abubakar, Immediate Past Zonal Coordinator, on behalf of Prof. Namu, Zonal Coordinator, Bauchi Zone. He was flanked by Dr. Vincent Choji, ASUU Branch Chairman, PLASU, other officials and past leaders of the Union, as well as members of the Union.”
END
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 4TH 2026)
