Lecturers across Nigeria’s universities have brought academic activities to a grinding halt as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced an indefinite strike. The industrial action is in response to the federal government’s failure to pay June 2025 salaries, which has left lecturers financially strained.

ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, stated that the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) had resolved to withdraw services due to the persistent delay in salary payments. Piwuna expressed frustration with the government’s lack of commitment to resolving the issue, despite meetings with key officials.

The transition to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) has exacerbated the problem, resulting in lecturers being unpaid for days after the month ends. Piwuna emphasized that the delay is not due to technical issues but appears to be a deliberate act by some officials.

In addition to the salary issue, ASUU is demanding the immediate release of the outstanding N10 billion balance for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). The union warned that further delays could lead to another phase of industrial action.

The strike has already taken effect in several universities, including the University of Jos and University of Abuja, where lecturers have stopped work and suspended academic duties. A strike monitoring team has been activated to ensure compliance across the country.