By Frank Musa
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced a nationwide industrial action on July 7, 2025 over delay in payment of June 2025 salaries of their members.
The strike follows an earlier resolution by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the ASUU, who enforced a strict “No Pay, No Work” policy.
According to the resolution, if lecturers’ salaries are delayed by more than three days into a new month, industrial action becomes inevitable.
ASUU branches at the University of Jos and the University of Abuja have already swiftly complied with the directive, while others are expected to follow suit in the coming days.
The ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, who confirmed the development on Monday, July 7, described the move as a response to the recurring financial hardship lecturers face due to persistent delays in salary payments.
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Piwuna attributed the worsening situation to the federal government’s transition of the varsities' staff payment mode from the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
He condemned what he called the “nonchalant attitude” of key government officials toward the welfare of university lecturers.
The ASUU President added that despite efforts to engage the Minister of Education and the Office of the Accountant General (OAGF), the union has seen “no meaningful progress.”
“Our members are experiencing hardship. Salaries are often delayed by a week or more. At NEC, we agreed that if salaries are not paid within three days of a new month, members should withdraw their services,” he said.
Piwuna also dismissed claims of technical issues with GIFMIS, saying the delays are the result of deliberate negligence by the OAGF.
“When funds are eventually released, there are no complaints of underpayment or technical failure. The system works; it’s the handlers who are stalling. We believe this delay is intentional,” he further hinted.
It's noteworthy that Piwuna, who is a medical personnel, came into power as ASUU President barely a few months ago, following the expiration of tenure of his predecessor, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke.
