ASUU Threatens Strike Over Salary Arrears, Pension Irregularities at Benue Varsity
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike at Benue State University due to concerns over unpaid salary arrears, pension irregularities, and other alleged breaches of staff welfare agreements. The union said the unresolved issues have negatively affected the welfare of academic staff at the institution.
Quick Insight: ASUU’s threat of industrial action underscores growing tensions between academic staff and university management over delayed payments, inadequate welfare provisions, and failure to honor agreed terms.
Salary Arrears Remain Unpaid
According to ASUU members at Benue State University, a significant number of lecturers and academic staff have not received full salary payments for several months. The union stated that this situation has placed heavy financial strain on affected workers and their families.
Pension Irregularities Highlighted
In addition to salary concerns, ASUU also raised issues about irregular pension payments. Retired academic staff reportedly have not received pension entitlements owed to them, causing distress and hardship among retirees.
Union Demands Management Action
ASUU has called on the university management and relevant authorities to urgently address the outstanding arrears and pension issues. The union insisted that failure to resolve these matters before the end of the current academic session would force members to begin a strike.
Effects on Academic Activities
Union leaders warned that if industrial action begins, academic activities such as lectures, examinations, and graduations could be disrupted. Such strikes often extend the academic calendar and impact students’ academic progression.
Wider Nigeria University Context
Similar disagreements between ASUU branches and university administrations have occurred across Nigeria. Many of these disputes also involve salary issues, pension claims, and demands for improved funding for public universities.
Final Thoughts
The ASUU strike threat at Benue State University highlights ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s public university system, where issues of remuneration and staff welfare continue to generate tension. Resolving the disputes will require proactive engagement between university authorities, unions, and government stakeholders.
Tip: University staff unions like ASUU often use strike threats to push for negotiated settlements on salary, pensions, and working conditions — a reflection of persistent challenges in higher education funding.
