ASUU-KASU Declares Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Allowances; Rejects Government Promises

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kaduna State University (KASU) branch, has announced a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike effective immediately, citing unresolved grievances with the Kaduna State Government. The strike, approved by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC), follows the government’s failure to address longstanding financial and institutional demands.  

Key Issues Behind the Strike

In a notification issued on Monday, ASUU-KASU outlined seven unresolved issues:  

1. Unpaid Salaries: 60% of September 2017 salaries and withheld payments from May to September 2024.  

2. Earned Academic Allowances (EAA): Outstanding payments from 2016 to date.  

3. Promotion Arrears & SIWES Supervision Allowances: Delayed compensation for academic staff.  

4. Group Life Assurance: Unsettled entitlements for deceased members.  

5. Pension Non-Remittance: Unpaid pensions from 2009 to 2019.  

6. Wage Awards: Non-implementation of 25% and 35% salary adjustments.  

7. University Autonomy: Alleged government interference in institutional independence.  

The union criticized the Kaduna State Government’s promises as “lacking substance, specificity, and actionable timelines,” leading to a unanimous rejection by its congress.  

Union Leadership Condemns Government Inaction

Dr. Peter Adamu, ASUU-KASU Chairman, and Dr. Peter M. Waziri, Secretary, signed the strike notification, declaring:  

“Congress resolved that the government’s empty assurances can no longer be tolerated. Our members have endured years of neglect, and this strike is a last resort to demand justice.”  

The union also emphasized the need for urgent resolution to prevent further disruption to academic activities at KASU.  

Broader Implications

The indefinite strike threatens to paralyze academic operations at Kaduna State University, affecting thousands of students already grappling with Nigeria’s fragile education system. ASUU-KASU’s action echoes similar nationwide struggles, as university staff unions continue to clash with state and federal governments over welfare and institutional autonomy.  

The union closed its statement with the rallying cry: “Aluta continua, victoria ascerta” (“The struggle continues, victory is certain”).  

Background:

ASUU, a prominent advocate for academic staff welfare in Nigeria, has historically used strikes to pressure governments into addressing systemic issues. The Kaduna branch’s move reflects deepening frustrations over unmet agreements and worsening working conditions in state universities.  

Next Steps:

Stakeholders, including students and parents, await intervention from the Kaduna State Government to avert prolonged academic disruption.  

— Reported for MySchoolNews, Okoro David Emeka