The Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Jos branch, has warned of a potential industrial crisis in public universities over what it calls slow and inconsistent implementation of the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos on Monday, the branch leadership said frustration among academics was growing and that peace in the university system could collapse without urgent action. The warning follows a National Executive Council meeting held at Modibbo Adama University on May 9 and 10, 2026, which reviewed the December 23, 2025 agreement with the federal government.
ASUU said the government has failed to inaugurate the Implementation Monitoring Committee set up to oversee the agreement, leading to selective implementation of salary-related components such as the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance, Earned Academic Allowance, Professorial Allowance, and responsibility allowances. The union commended Sa’adu Zungur University and Ekiti State University for partial compliance but urged other institutions to act quickly to avoid disruption.
The union also criticized the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund without consultation, questioning its dollar-denominated structure and warning against external influence on the education sector. It insisted that research funding provisions in the 2025 agreement should be honored.
ASUU listed other unresolved issues including arrears from the 25/35 percent wage award, promotion arrears, withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, IPPIS-related shortfalls, and unremitted third-party deductions. It argued that the “no work, no pay” policy was unjustifiable as academic work continued during the strike.
The union further raised concerns about pension arrears for retired academics, recent policy changes in early childhood education, proposed transnational education arrangements, plans to scrap some university courses, and the introduction of titles like “Professor of Practice.” It also expressed concern over economic hardship and insecurity ahead of the 2027 elections.
ASUU called on President Bola Tinubu and relevant stakeholders to ensure full implementation of the agreement to maintain stability in public universities.
