ASUU suspends threatened strike after federal government pays June salaries

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) threatened a nationwide work stoppage this week over the non-payment of June 2025 salaries, invoking its long-standing “No Pay, No Work” policy. But after a last-minute flurry of disbursements, the strike threat was suspended just hours before its planned launch.

How ASUU’s action unfolded

Background of ASUU: Established in 1978 out of the predecessor NAUT, ASUU has a history of labour actions—most notably strikes in 1988, 2009, 2013, 2020, and a nearly eight-month strike in 2022—typically tied to demands for better funding, university autonomy, and welfare improvements.

June ultimatum issued: On July 1, 2025, ASUU branches were instructed to withdraw services if lecturers' June salaries were not credited by 11:59 pm on July 7, under the directive of the Union’s National Executive Council.

Government delays blamed: ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna publicly attributed the delay to inefficiencies within the Office of the Accountant-General, exacerbated by the migration from IPPIS to GIFMIS payroll platforms.

Strike halted at the 11th hour

Salary payments begin: On July 8, as the deadline approached, salaries for June began to drop into lecturers’ accounts at institutions like the University of Abuja, prompting ASUU to suspend plans for action.

Branch-level confirmation: Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, Chair of ASUU-UniAbuja, confirmed the reversal, stating the branch did not initiate a work stoppage as funds arrived before the midnight deadline.

Current situation: Only branches still missing June payments—such as University of Jos—are keeping their “No Pay, No Work” stance in effect. ASUU has warned that failure to pay July salaries by month's end will trigger renewed action.