The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) chapter, has raised alarm over unresolved welfare and funding issues, cautioning the Nasarawa State Government that failure to act promptly could destabilise industrial relations within the institution.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the union said the briefing was convened to “draw urgent attention to the continued neglect of critical issues affecting our members and the university system.”
Chairperson of the ASUU NSUK branch, Abdulmumini Loko, noted that several engagements with the authorities have not yielded results, leaving key concerns unaddressed.
“Unless immediate steps are taken by the Nasarawa State Government to defray all outstanding arrears and address our demands, industrial harmony cannot be guaranteed,” Loko said.
The union listed multiple demands, including the immediate enforcement of the recently agreed 40 per cent salary increase between ASUU and the Federal Government, enhanced funding for the institution, and the payment of professorial allowances.
Loko also called for the settlement of outstanding Earned Academic Allowance, arrears tied to the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increments, as well as payments relating to the ₦70,000 minimum wage and ₦35,000 wage award.
“We hereby call on the Nasarawa State Government to urgently address these issues to restore staff morale and ensure effective teaching, research, and infrastructural development,” he said.
Additional requests by the union include the full domestication of the contributory pension scheme alongside prompt remittance of government contributions, enforcement of the compulsory retirement age for professors, regular inauguration of visitation panels, and the payment of full salaries as pensions to retired professors.
Warning of broader implications, Loko stressed that continued inaction could weaken the university system.
“The continued delay in addressing these legitimate demands has serious consequences, including decline in the quality of education, increased brain drain among academic staff, disruption of academic activities, and erosion of staff welfare and morale,” Loko said.
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While reiterating ASUU’s openness to dialogue, he emphasised that members’ patience is wearing thin.
“ASUU NSUK remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement. However, the patience of our members is not infinite.
We therefore urge the Nasarawa State Government to act decisively and responsibly in resolving these issues without further delay,” he added.
Loko warned that the union would be left with no choice but to take lawful steps to protect its members if the situation persists.
“Failure to do so will leave the union with no option but to take all lawful steps necessary to protect the interests of its members and preserve the integrity of the university system,” he said.
Disagreements between ASUU and government authorities—both federal and state—have long characterised Nigeria’s university sector, typically revolving around funding gaps, staff welfare, and the implementation of agreements.
The union has embarked on several nationwide strikes in recent years to press similar demands