ASUU Decries Non Implementation of Agreement in State Owned Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed deep concern over the continued failure of several state governments to implement agreements reached with lecturers in state owned universities The union warned that if the lingering issues are not addressed promptly, it may be forced to take necessary steps to protect the rights and welfare of its members

Speaking at a press conference in Kano, ASUU’s Kano Zone said while the Federal Government has fulfilled major parts of the agreement for lecturers in federal universities, many state governments are yet to honour similar commitments The union described the situation as unfair and urged affected states to act without further delay

The latest development has once again raised concerns over the welfare of university lecturers and the stability of Nigeria’s higher education sector, with fears that prolonged delays could disrupt academic activities

ASUU Faults State Governments Over Delayed Agreement Implementation

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kano Zone, has condemned the slow implementation of agreements affecting lecturers in state-owned universities.

Addressing journalists at Bayero University, Kano, the Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Abdulrazaq Ibrahim, stated that despite participating in negotiations that produced the agreement in December 2025, several state governments have failed to fulfill their obligations

According to him, lecturers in federal universities have already benefited from the implementation of the agreement, while their counterparts in many state institutions continue to wait for similar treatment

Federal Universities Receive Outstanding Payments

ASUU noted that the Federal Government has successfully settled several outstanding financial obligations owed to lecturers under the agreement

These payments reportedly include five months of outstanding salary related arrears, covering:

Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA)

• Lecturers in federal universities have received payments for the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, which supports academic work and research

Professorial Secretariat Administrative Allowance (SAA)

• The union also confirmed the settlement of the Professorial Secretariat Administrative Allowance for eligible academic staff

Earned Academic Allowance (EAA)

• Outstanding Earned Academic Allowance payments have equally been released, fulfilling a major aspect of the agreement signed with the Federal Government

ASUU Identifies States Yet to Domesticate the Agreement

The union acknowledged that some state owned universities have already implemented the agreement, including institutions such as:

Sa’adu Zungur University

• Ekiti State University
• Osun State University
• Benue State University
• Sokoto State University
• Shehu Shagari University of Education

However, ASUU specifically called on the governments of Kano, Kaduna, and Jigawa States to urgently domesticate the agreement, settle outstanding allowances, and resolve pending welfare issues affecting lecturers in their universities

The union warned that failure to act could force it to explore lawful measures to recover members’ entitlements

Union Demands Payment of Withheld Salaries

ASUU also renewed its demand for the payment of three and a half months’ withheld salaries owed to its members

The union maintained that lecturers remained committed to academic responsibilities throughout the industrial dispute by continuing research activities and returning to classrooms immediately after the suspension of the strike

It argued that members should not be denied salaries for the period in question

Pension Remittances and Third Party Deductions Still Outstanding

Beyond salary related concerns, ASUU criticized the continued delay in remitting outstanding pension contributions and third party deductions

The union urged the relevant authorities to immediately clear all outstanding remittances owed to the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and Pension Fund Administrators to safeguard lecturers’ retirement benefits

ASUU Raises Concern Over Nigeria’s Security and Economic Challenges

The union also expressed concern over the nation’s worsening security situation, rising cost of living, and the growing effects of climate change

According to ASUU, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and persistent farmer herder conflicts continue to threaten lives, disrupt economic activities, and slow national development

The union called on governments at all levels to prioritize the protection of lives and property while implementing policies that improve the welfare of Nigerians