KASU: ASUU Threatens Strike Over Unmet Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kaduna State University (KASU) chapter, has warned that it may embark on an indefinite strike if long-standing demands are not addressed by the end of May 2026.

The union said persistent failure to implement agreements, alongside unresolved welfare issues, has heightened frustration among academic staff, warning that the situation is no longer sustainable.

Speaking through a member of its media committee, Dr Usman Sadiq, ASUU said the suspension of its last strike was based on government assurances that have since remained largely unfulfilled.

“We felt the promises made to us when we suspended our last strike have not been kept. We are being pushed back to the trenches. As of today, most State governments in the North have implemented the 2009 agreement, but in KASU, we don’t know when this very important aspect will be fulfilled”.

Sadiq identified the non-implementation of the 2009 agreement as a major source of concern, noting that while several state universities in the North have made progress, KASU remains behind.

He also decried the non-payment of promotion arrears, stressing that several lecturers promoted years ago are still being paid at their former salary levels.

“Many lecturers who were promoted have not received the corresponding salary increment. Some were promoted as far back as three years ago”.

The ASUU official further criticised what he described as excessive administrative bottlenecks affecting the university’s operations, saying urgent academic needs now suffer delays due to layered approval processes.

He lamented that the institution, once regarded as one of the leading state universities, has experienced declining efficiency and growing staff dissatisfaction.

According to him, economic pressures and poor motivation have triggered an exodus of experienced lecturers, with many others preparing to leave.

“Many competent lecturers have left the university. Many others are planning to leave. About 80 per cent of our professors have parked their vehicles and can no longer drive to work,” he said.

He also raised concerns about worsening welfare conditions, noting that many senior academics are struggling with mobility due to financial constraints.

However, Sadiq acknowledged government intervention in clearing withheld salaries, describing it as a positive step in the right direction.

Despite this, he maintained that ASUU’s patience is running out, warning that industrial action remains imminent if the situation does not improve.