By Owen Eresoyen, Benin
ASUU Benin Zone threatens strike over non-implementation of 2025 agreement
The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that it may embark on an indefinite strike across seven state-owned universities in Edo, Delta, and Ondo States if the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement is not reflected in the payment of July salaries.
The affected institutions include 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 on the development, Prof. Monday Igbafen, Benin Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, said the union had exhausted all avenues of dialogue with the governors of the affected states. He noted that while federal universities and 10 other state-owned institutions have already complied with the 2025 agreement, including payment of arrears, the seven universities in the Benin Zone remain non-compliant.
Prof. Igbafen stressed that the next salary must reflect the CATA component and all allowances stipulated in the agreement, with arrears from January 2026 paid in full. “Any failure or further prevarication by the three State Governments will inevitably provoke a total, comprehensive, and indefinite industrial action,” he warned.
He described the non-implementation as provocative and unjust, accusing the governors of Edo, Ondo, and Delta States of failing to provide the financial backing required. He added that patience among ASUU congresses in the affected universities has been exhausted after six months of waiting for concrete steps.
ASUU has now begun full mobilization for a strike, insisting that peace in universities cannot be achieved without justice. “The only path to lasting harmony is the immediate and full implementation of the Agreement. We therefore call on the Governors of Edo, Ondo, and Delta States to act now, before our universities are shut down,” Igbafen said.
