Nasarawa State University Appeals to ASUU and Stakeholders Over Ongoing Strike

The management of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nasarawa State University, Keffi Branch, and other stakeholders to support dialogue and work towards resolving the issues behind the ongoing industrial action.

The University Management made the appeal in a press conference brief dated August 13, 2026, concerning the ongoing industrial action and the efforts being made to resolve the issues raised.

Management acknowledged that the disruption of academic activities has caused concern, uncertainty and hardship to students, parents and staff, adding that it shares these concerns.

It stated that its foremost responsibility remains the protection of the academic calendar, the welfare of staff and students, and the stability, integrity and continued development of the University.

The demands presented by ASUU include:

1. Earned Academic Allowances.
2. Arrears arising from the 25 and 35 per cent salary increases.
3. Outstanding wage awards and minimum-wage-related payments.
4. Implementation of applicable provisions of the revised Federal Government-ASUU agreement.
5. Domestication of the 70-year retirement age for academic staff.
6. Domestication and implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme.
7. Clarification of the Government’s counterpart pension contributions.

Management acknowledged the legitimacy of constructive engagement regarding staff welfare but explained that several of the issues under discussion are national in origin, accumulated over many years and predate the current University administration.

It noted that some of the demands require policy, legislative or financial action beyond the direct authority of the University Management.

According to Management, the current situation should therefore not be interpreted as a failure of concern or willingness on the part of the present administration. Rather, it is the consequence of inherited and interconnected obligations requiring sustained cooperation among the University, the unions, the Nasarawa State Government and relevant national institutions.

Management also highlighted what it described as significant interventions made by the Visitor to the University and Governor of Nasarawa State.

In recognition of the financial pressures facing the University, the Visitor approved an increase in the institution’s monthly subvention. Management said the intervention demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthening the University and improving its capacity to meet personnel, operational and developmental obligations.

Furthermore, following recent engagements, the Visitor agreed to continue giving attention to the Federal Government and university-based unions’ agreements relating to the implementation of applicable obligations.

The Visitor has also expressed willingness to continue dialogue on the non-monetary components of the demands, particularly those requiring policy, administrative or legislative action.

Management said these commitments represent considerable progress and provide a credible foundation upon which all parties can build a fair, sustainable and implementable resolution.

The University Management stated that it has not remained passive in the face of the accumulated liabilities.

Through a joint committee comprising representatives of Management and the staff unions, an agreed framework was developed for the gradual liquidation of outstanding obligations.

Management said it has continued to keep faith with the framework within the limits of available resources, adding that payments have been made and commitments honoured in line with the agreed plan, including payments relating to Earned Academic Allowances.

It explained that while the accumulated liabilities cannot reasonably be liquidated in a single instalment without threatening the essential operations of the University, Management remains committed to their systematic settlement.

The objective, according to Management, is to balance staff welfare with the continued provision of teaching, research, student services, security, utilities and other indispensable institutional responsibilities.

Management said it respects the right of ASUU to protect the welfare and legitimate interests of its members and also recognises the union’s expressed willingness to pursue constructive dialogue.

It, however, stressed that dialogue must be supported by confidence, realistic expectations and a shared commitment to the survival of the University.

Management said the progress already recorded, including the increased subvention, acceptance of the updated financial request, ongoing liquidation of inherited liabilities and the willingness of the Visitor to discuss the non-monetary demands, should be acknowledged as evidence of good faith.

It therefore appealed to ASUU, NSUK Branch, to reciprocate these efforts by allowing the dialogue process to produce a sustainable resolution.

According to Management, prolonged disruption will impose further hardship on students and parents, weaken the academic calendar, affect research and admissions, and place additional financial pressure on the institution.

“The University belongs to all of us. Its stability and reputation must remain paramount,” Management stated.

Addressing students, Management said it understands their anxiety and frustration, stressing that their education, welfare and future remain central to every engagement presently taking place.

It stated that it is working diligently to secure the restoration of normal academic activities as quickly as possible.

Students were advised to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding and to rely only on information issued through the University’s official communication channels.

Management also warned students against allowing themselves to be drawn into acts capable of undermining the peace, security or reputation of the University.

Parents and guardians were also thanked for their patience and the sacrifices they continue to make for the education of their children and wards.

Management appealed for their understanding and moral support as the University, Government and unions work towards a lasting settlement.

The University also called upon traditional and religious leaders, alumni, student leaders, civil society organisations, professional bodies and other stakeholders to support constructive engagement and encourage all parties to prioritise dialogue.

Management said public commentary should be informed by the recognition that the challenges developed over time and cannot be resolved through blame, confrontation or misinformation.

It stressed that what is required is a shared commitment to an implementable and financially sustainable solution.

University Management listed its immediate commitments as follows:

1. Continuing engagement with the Visitor, ASUU and other staff unions.
2. Facilitating the documentation of agreed commitments, implementation frameworks and realistic timelines.
3. Sustaining the joint union-management mechanism for monitoring the payment of outstanding liabilities.
4. Ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of increased subvention and other interventions.
5. Supporting further dialogue on the retirement age, pension scheme and other non-monetary matters.
6. Safeguarding the welfare and security of students and staff.
7. Restoring normal academic activities at the earliest possible time.

Management said the present challenge is difficult but not beyond resolution.

It noted that considerable progress has already been made, including the increase in the University’s subvention, the Visitor’s agreement to the updated financial request, the ongoing settlement of liabilities including Earned Academic Allowances under a jointly developed framework, and the Government’s continued openness to dialogue on outstanding non-monetary matters.

Management therefore called on ASUU, NSUK Branch, to consider these interventions in good faith and work with the University and Government towards an immediate and mutually acceptable resolution.

The University appealed to students, parents and the general public for continued patience, understanding and support, assuring that Management will not relent until normalcy is restored and the University can continue its mandate of teaching, research and service to society without interruption.

Management stressed that the collective responsibility of all stakeholders is to protect Nasarawa State University, Keffi, preserve its stability and secure the future of its students.