ASUU indefinite strike threat grows as Plateau State University lecturers demand salary implementation and unpaid arrears
The Academic Staff Union of Universities branch at Plateau State University has threatened to embark on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike if the Plateau State Government fails to implement a new salary structure and settle outstanding arrears owed to lecturers.
Also read: ASUU warns of fresh strike over Federal agreement delay
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the union said it submitted the Federal Government and ASUU agreement containing the revised salary template to the university management in February 2026, but lecturers were still being paid under the old salary structure despite worsening economic realities.
The statement was jointly signed by the branch Chairperson, Vincent Choji, and Secretary, Lomka Iliya Kopdiya.
“Sadly, we remain on the old salary scheme despite the harsh economic realities lecturers face daily,” the union stated.
The ASUU indefinite strike threat comes amid growing concerns over staff welfare, workload and unresolved agreements between the union and the state government.
The union accused the Plateau State Government and university management of expanding the institution through increased student admissions and the establishment of new faculties and departments without improving lecturers’ welfare or working conditions.
“While the State Government and University Management have taken credit for the institution’s expansion through increased student enrolment and the introduction of new faculties and departments, the resulting workload on lecturers has been ignored,” the statement read.
“Our members are working harder than ever to teach and mould the character of these students, yet their well-being is not being addressed.”
The union further disclosed that at least four lecturers had died in recent months from stress and heart-related complications allegedly linked to the difficult working environment.
It also raised concerns over unresolved security challenges on campus, rising transportation costs and inadequate staff accommodation.
“Tragically, in recent months, the union has lost over four committed lecturers to stress and heart-related complications,” the statement added.
ASUU-PLASU also accused the state government of abandoning several commitments contained in a 2024 agreement signed with the union.
“These pressing challenges, along with other outstanding issues from the agreement signed between the State Government and the union in 2024, have been entirely abandoned,” the union said.
The lecturers urged the government to urgently implement the new salary structure, pay all outstanding arrears from January 1, 2026, release funds for pensions and gratuities and address other unresolved issues to avert disruption of academic activities.
Also read: ASUU gives strong warning over unresolved issues at NSUK
“We urgently call on the State Government to implement the new salary scheme and pay all the arrears from January 1, 2026, release funds to cater for pension and gratuity, and address all other pending issues in the signed agreement to avert a looming, total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action,” the statement concluded.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
