Academic activities have been disrupted in several state-owned universities across Nigeria as members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commence indefinite strike over the non-implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government and unresolved welfare issues.
The latest industrial action became more widespread on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after several university branches exhausted 14-day ultimatums issued to their respective authorities and state governments.
Among the institutions affected are Plateau State University, Bokkos; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH); Kaduna State University; Gombe State University; Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; Kano State University of Science and Technology; Northwest University, Kano; and Taraba State University.
Why are the lecturers on strike?
The dispute centres largely on the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement, including salary-related provisions and outstanding allowances.
ASUU has also complained about unpaid arrears dating back to January 2026, earned academic allowances, promotion arrears and other institution-specific welfare demands.
At Ambrose Alli University, for instance, the ASUU branch said its action followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum without implementation of the 2025 agreement and payment of accrued allowance arrears. The strike covers teaching, examinations, research supervision and other statutory academic duties.
Universities already affected
Earlier in August, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and Imo State University had already commenced indefinite strikes after their ASUU branches declared industrial action over unresolved demands.
The national ASUU leadership had authorised about 20 university branches to begin the process of industrial action after its National Executive Council meeting held on August 8–9, 2026.
However, the situation has continued to evolve, with additional state universities joining the action as their individual ultimatums expired.
What students should know
The strike is not necessarily a nationwide shutdown of all Nigerian universities. It is primarily affecting specific state-owned institutions whose ASUU branches have declared industrial action.
ASUU is expected to review the situation at an emergency NEC meeting scheduled for the end of August or early September, while affected branches continue to demand implementation of the agreements and payment of outstanding entitlements.
Students of affected universities are therefore advised to monitor official announcements from their institutions and ASUU branches for information on lectures, examinations, resumption and other academic activities.