The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benue State University (BSU) branch, has commenced an indefinite, total, and comprehensive strike action.
The decision was announced following a congress meeting of the union held on June 1, 2026, and takes immediate effect. According to the union, the action followed years of engagement with the university administration, Governing Council, and Benue State Government over issues affecting staff welfare and university governance.
In a statement signed by the branch chairman, Dr. Ali Sule Ako, and secretary, Prof. Daniel Chile, ASUU-BSU said the strike would continue until significant progress is made and binding agreements are reached on the matters in dispute.
The union stated:
“The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benue State University Branch (ASUU-BSU), wishes to inform the general public, particularly students, parents, alumni, stakeholders, and friends of Benue State University, that Congress of the Union, at its meeting held on 1 June 2026, resolved to embark on an indefinite, total and comprehensive strike action.
“This decision was reached after years of sustained engagement with the University Administration, the Governing Council, and the Benue State Government on critical welfare and governance issues affecting staff and the University.
“Unfortunately, these efforts have failed to produce meaningful and lasting solutions.”
According to ASUU-BSU, interventions by the ASUU Zone and the National Executive Council (NEC), including a fact-finding mission and engagements with relevant authorities, failed to produce a formal agreement capable of resolving the outstanding issues.
The union noted that despite these interventions, authorities failed to engage through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Memorandum of Action (MoA) containing clear commitments and implementation timelines.
“Despite these efforts, the Benue State Government, the University Administration and relevant authorities failed to engage the Union through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Memorandum of Action (MoA) containing clear commitments and implementation timelines.”
It added:
“Instead, the university administration resorted to isolated and uncoordinated payments without any negotiated framework. These actions neither addressed the underlying issues nor provided a credible roadmap for resolution.”
Key Issues And Outstanding Demands Raised By ASUU-BSU
ASUU-BSU outlined several welfare and governance concerns that it says must be addressed before the strike can be called off.
Non-payment Of Pension And Gratuity
The union lamented that many retired staff members have remained unpaid years after leaving service.
“Many retired staff members have remained unpaid for years after retirement. Some have died without receiving their entitlements, while others continue to face severe hardship despite dedicating their productive years to the service of the University. The Union considers this situation unacceptable and contrary to the principles of fairness and social justice.”
Irregular Pension Remittances
The union also expressed concerns over the contributory pension scheme introduced in 2020.
“The contributory pension scheme introduced in 2020 has been plagued by irregular remittances, particularly regarding employer contributions. The failure of Government to consistently provide counterpart funding has created uncertainty and concern among staff, with no satisfactory resolution in sight.”
Outstanding Wage Award and promotion Arrears
The union disclosed that staff members are owed approximately 22 months of wage award arrears.
“5 months were hurriedly paid after the University Administration became aware of the Union’s move towards industrial action.”
ASUU-BSU stated that lecturers promoted since 2018 have largely been denied the financial benefits attached to their promotions.
Incomplete Salary Adjustment Implementation
Other concerns include the incomplete implementation of the Consequential Adjustment to Academic Salaries Agreement (CATA) and unresolved taxation-related matters affecting staff.
Rejection of Senate-Nominated Deputy Vice-Chancellor
The union strongly criticised the rejection of the Senate-nominated Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ebute Agaba.
“The Union strongly condemns the rejection of the Senate-nominated candidate for Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ebute Agaba, without any stated reason.
“The subsequent directive for another election, which produced a different candidate, undermines due process, university autonomy, and democratic governance within the institution.”
Conclusion
ASUU-BSU has maintained that the industrial action will remain in force until meaningful progress is achieved and formal agreements are reached on all outstanding issues.
“Consequently, ASUU-BSU has commenced an indefinite, total and comprehensive strike action, which shall remain in force until substantial progress is made and binding agreements are reached on the issues in dispute.”
The union appealed to the Benue State Government, university management, the Governing Council, students, parents, alumni, and other stakeholders to understand the circumstances that led to the strike and support efforts aimed at achieving a lasting resolution.
“We call on the Benue State Government, the University Administration, the Governing Council, students, parents, alumni, and all stakeholders to appreciate the circumstances that have necessitated this difficult but necessary action and to support efforts toward a lasting resolution.”
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