Lecturers issue 21-day ultimatum to university management, alleging failure to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement, salary review and outstanding allowances, raising fresh fears of disruption to Nigeria’s university calendar.
By Hassan Jinjiri
ABUJA/ZURU, Kebbi State — July 31, 2026
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru (FUAZ) Branch, has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the institution’s Governing Council and management, threatening to embark on an indefinite industrial action over the alleged failure to implement key provisions of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement.
The union accused the university authorities of failing to implement an approved 40 per cent salary review, pay accumulated Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) arrears, and settle other outstanding financial obligations despite directives from the Federal Government.
The development has reignited concerns over labour relations in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, with students and education stakeholders expressing fears that another strike could further disrupt academic activities in one of the country’s youngest federal universities.
ASUU Issues 21-Day Ultimatum
The ultimatum, which took effect on July 29, 2026, followed a special congress of the union held on July 28 at the university’s main auditorium.
The congress, attended by members of ASUU’s National Visitation Team and the Coordinator of the Sokoto Zone, resolved that failure by the university authorities to address the listed grievances within the stipulated period would trigger industrial action in accordance with the union’s established procedures.
In a communiqué signed by the Branch Chairperson, Dr. Danbauchi Senchi, ASUU described the situation as unacceptable and called for immediate intervention by relevant authorities.
Union Alleges Failure to Implement 2025 Agreement
At the centre of the dispute is the alleged non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement, concluded after years of negotiations between the Federal Government and the union.
According to ASUU, the agreement provides for:
- A 40 per cent upward review of academic staff salaries.
- Payment of accumulated Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) arrears.
- Settlement of other approved financial benefits due to academic staff.
The union maintained that the Federal Government had already directed all federal universities to comply with the agreement.
ASUU also recalled that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had publicly reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the agreement nationwide.
Lecturers Allege Non-Payment of Approved Benefits
Despite the Federal Government’s directives, the union alleged that lecturers at the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru have yet to receive the approved salary adjustments or outstanding allowances.
According to ASUU, its members remain unpaid despite reports that funds had been released to federal universities for the payment of five months’ accumulated CATA arrears.
The union argued that the continued delay has placed significant financial strain on academic staff, many of whom continue to teach, supervise research and perform community service despite the alleged non-payment.
Concerns Over University’s Financial Status
Beyond unpaid salaries and allowances, ASUU raised concerns over what it described as the institution’s prolonged financial neglect.
According to the union, the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru remains the only federal university established and operational without receiving a formal take-off grant from the Federal Government.
The lecturers argued that inadequate funding has continued to affect infrastructure development, academic planning and the overall growth of the institution.
They urged the Federal Government to address the issue as part of broader efforts to strengthen higher education in Nigeria.
Key Demands by ASUU
During the congress, the union outlined several demands that it expects the university authorities and the Federal Government to address before the expiration of the ultimatum.
The demands include:
- Immediate implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement.
- Payment of the 40 per cent salary adjustment.
- Settlement of five months’ accumulated CATA arrears.
- Payment of all outstanding financial entitlements owed to lecturers.
- Improved funding for the university.
- Compliance with directives issued by the Federal Government and the Ministry of Education.
ASUU warned that failure to meet these demands would leave the union with no option but to commence industrial action.
Warning of Possible Academic Disruption
The union cautioned that if the issues remain unresolved after the 21-day notice period, lecturers would withdraw their services in line with ASUU’s industrial dispute procedures.
Such action, if implemented, could halt lectures, examinations and research activities at the institution.
The threat comes at a time when Nigerian universities are striving to maintain stable academic calendars following years of disruptions caused by prolonged industrial disputes.
Education observers say another strike could adversely affect students’ graduation timelines and the institution’s academic reputation.
A Familiar Pattern in Nigeria’s University System
ASUU’s latest ultimatum highlights longstanding tensions between academic unions and government authorities over university funding, staff welfare and implementation of negotiated agreements.
Over the past two decades, disputes between ASUU and successive administrations have frequently resulted in nationwide strikes, often triggered by disagreements over:
- Salary structures.
- University funding.
- Infrastructure deficits.
- Earned academic allowances.
- Renegotiation of agreements.
- Institutional autonomy.
Analysts argue that while agreements are often reached after prolonged negotiations, implementation has remained a recurring challenge.
Stakeholders Call for Dialogue
Education experts have urged both ASUU and government authorities to prioritise dialogue to prevent another disruption of academic activities.
They argue that sustainable solutions require:
- Timely implementation of signed agreements.
- Transparent funding mechanisms.
- Improved communication between university management and staff unions.
- Long-term reforms in university financing.
Parents and students have also appealed to both parties to resolve the dispute before it escalates into another strike that could affect thousands of undergraduates.
Management Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, had not publicly responded to the allegations raised by the union or issued an official statement on the 21-day ultimatum.
Similarly, there has been no fresh response from the Federal Ministry of Education regarding the specific claims made by the FUAZ branch of ASUU.
A1NEWS International will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as official responses emerge.
The 21-day ultimatum issued by ASUU at the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru underscores the fragile state of labour relations within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
While the union insists it is demanding the implementation of an agreement already reached with the Federal Government, the absence of a public response from the university management has heightened uncertainty over the institution’s academic future.
Whether dialogue prevails or another strike begins may depend on how swiftly government authorities, the Governing Council and university management address the lecturers’ grievances before the ultimatum expires.
Leave a Reply