ASUU Shuts Down Campuses Nationwide Over Delayed June Salaries
Academic activities across Nigeria’s public universities are grinding to a halt as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) directs its members to withdraw their services following unpaid June 2025 salaries.
The industrial action, already in effect at several universities including the University of Jos and the University of Abuja, was triggered by what ASUU describes as consistent and deliberate delays in salary payments, despite no technical issues with the government’s payment platform.
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The ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, confirmed the development in a chat with Tribune Online, stressing that the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) had long adopted a “No Pay, No Work” policy, which mandates members to down tools if salaries are delayed beyond three days.
“What our members are doing is simply implementing an NEC decision. Our salaries have been delayed for a week or even more. We’ve spoken to all the relevant authorities — the Minister of Education, the Office of the Accountant General — yet, nothing has changed,” Piwuna said.
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🔍 The Core of ASUU’s Frustration
Since the Federal Government transitioned university payroll from IPPIS to GIFMIS, ASUU says the new system has only worsened delays in disbursing monthly salaries.
Despite the government’s claim that the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) is fully operational, the union insists that its members are subjected to undue hardship.
Piwuna didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Accountant General’s Office, accusing it of intentionally holding back salary releases, despite having no logistical or platform-based excuse.
🔺 Earned Allowances Still Hanging
Beyond salaries, ASUU is also demanding the immediate release of the remaining N10 billion in Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) — a part of a previously promised N50 billion payment. So far, only N40 billion has been disbursed.
“The outstanding EAA is still on the table. If the government continues to delay, it risks deepening the current standoff,” Piwuna warned.
⚠️ Strike Already Biting in Key Institutions
At the University of Jos, ASUU’s branch chairman, Jurbe Molwus, confirmed that members have fully withdrawn from duties, stating that the strike will persist until all pending salaries are paid.
Likewise, members at the University of Abuja have downed tools. When contacted, the school’s spokesperson, Dr. Habib Yakoob, declined comment, redirecting inquiries to ASUU’s branch leadership.
🗣️ What Happens Next?
The Federal Government has yet to issue an official response to the unfolding industrial action. However, the timing couldn’t be worse for thousands of students preparing for exams, project defenses, and research work.
Observers warn that if the strike spreads further without swift resolution, the academic calendar could face yet another major disruption.
Stay with Wellnaija for updates on ASUU’s next move and government response. Want a breakdown of how salary payment systems like IPPIS and GIFMIS differ? Let us know — we’ll make it simple