The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concern over persistent delays in the payment of lecturers’ salaries, reiterating its standing directive for members to withdraw services when salaries are not paid promptly.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, stated this during a virtual dialogue organised by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), noting that salary payments have remained inconsistent despite an agreement with the Federal Government.
He clarified that the union operates a standing resolution requiring its members nationwide to withdraw their services if salaries are delayed beyond the third day of a new month.
Piwuna explained that although some branches had considered activating the directive earlier in the year, the union exercised restraint following assurances from government officials.
“Our position remains that if salaries are not paid by the third day of a new month, members are expected to withdraw their services,” he said.
The ASUU president attributed the recurring delays to what he described as inconsistencies in Nigeria’s budget cycle, citing overlapping implementation of different fiscal years as a major factor affecting timely salary releases.
According to him, the irregular payments have persisted even after the passage of the 2026 budget, raising concerns about fiscal coordination.
He warned that the development is demoralising lecturers and undermining stability in the university system if not urgently addressed.
Piwuna also indicated that the union would take a comprehensive position on salary delays and other outstanding issues at its National Executive Council meeting scheduled for May 9 or 10.
While focusing on salary concerns, he reaffirmed ASUU’s support for the ongoing indefinite strike by the Senior Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), stressing that industrial harmony requires all unions to be treated fairly.
SSANU and NASU, under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), commenced an indefinite strike on May 1 over delays in concluding and implementing agreements with the Federal Government.
SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, also criticised the delays, saying they were eroding workers’ morale and worsening conditions across public universities.
The unions are demanding urgent government action to resolve the lingering issues and restore stability in the sector.
