The Plateau State University branch, of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike if the state government fails to implement the new salary structure for lecturers and also clear all outstanding arrears.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the union said it had submitted the federal government/ASUU agreement containing the new salary template to the management of Plateau State University in February 2026, but lecturers were still being paid under the old salary scheme despite worsening economic conditions.
Key Highlights:
- Academic Staff Union of Universities threatened an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries.
- Lecturers say the new salary structure has not been implemented.
- ASUU accused the government of ignoring staff welfare despite school expansion.
- The union said poor working conditions led to four lecturers’ deaths.
- ASUU demanded payment of arrears, pensions, and improved welfare.
The statement was jointly signed by the branch Chairperson, Vincent Choji, and Secretary, Lomka Iliya Kopdiya.
“Sadly, we remain on the old salary scheme despite the harsh economic realities lecturers face daily,” the union stated.
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ASUU accused the state government and the university management of expanding the institution through increased student enrolment and the introduction of new faculties and departments without addressing the welfare and workload of lecturers.
“While the state government and university management have taken credit for the institution’s expansion through increased student enrolment and the introduction of new faculties and departments, the resulting workload on lecturers has been ignored.
“Our members are working harder than ever to teach and mould the character of these students, yet their well-being is not being addressed,” the statement added.
The union further disclosed that at least four lecturers had died in recent months due to stress and heart-related complications allegedly linked to poor working conditions.
“Tragically, in recent months, the union has lost over four committed lecturers to stress and heart-related complications,” the statement said.
It also raised concerns over unresolved issues relating to campus security, transportation costs and inadequate staff accommodation.
According to the union, several commitments contained in the 2024 agreement signed between the state government and ASUU had also been abandoned.
“These pressing challenges, along with other outstanding issues from the agreement signed between the state government and the union in 2024, have been entirely abandoned,” it said.
The lecturers urged the Plateau State government to urgently implement the new salary scheme, pay all arrears from January 1, 2026, release funds for pension and gratuity obligations, and address all pending issues to avert disruption of academic activities at the institution.
