The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that academic activities could be suspended indefinitely in seven state-owned universities across Edo, Delta and Ondo states if the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement is not reflected in the July salary payment.
The universities affected by the planned action are Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Delta State University, Abraka; University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, ASUU Benin Zone Coordinator, Prof. Monday Igbafen, said the union had made repeated efforts to engage the governors of the three states but those attempts had yielded no positive outcome.
He stated that while all federal universities and 10 state-owned universities had fully implemented the agreement, including the payment of outstanding arrears, the affected institutions in Edo, Delta and Ondo were yet to comply.
According to Igbafen, members of the union expect their July salaries to include the Consequential Adjustment of Total Consolidated Academic Allowance and other benefits contained in the agreement. He added that arrears dating back to January 2026 should also be paid.
“We state, with all sense of responsibility, that any failure or further prevarication by the three state governments will inevitably provoke a total, comprehensive, and indefinite industrial action.
“ASUU remains committed to industrial peace in our universities. However, peace without justice is a mirage. The only path to lasting harmony is the immediate and full implementation of the Agreement as from the July salary.
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We therefore call on the Governors of Edo, Ondo, and Delta States to act now, before our universities are shut down,” Igbafen said.
The ASUU coordinator described the continued delay in implementing the agreement as unfair, accusing the governments of the three states of failing to provide the financial resources needed to meet the terms of the deal.
“Our members in these institutions are being shortchanged by the governors and visitors of Edo, Ondo and Delta states, who have failed to provide the financial backing required for implementation.
“The Benin Zone views the continued refusal to implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Delta State University, Abraka; University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro, with grave concern.
“The patience of our congresses in these universities has been exhausted. For six months, our members have awaited concrete steps toward the implementation of the agreement. In return, they have been met only with trivialisation and disregard.
“We therefore inform you that our congresses in the affected state universities have commenced full mobilisation for a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike, in response to the persistent failure of the governments of Edo, Ondo, and Delta states to honour the agreement,” the ASUU Zonal Coordinator concluded.