Gombe University ASUU members halt work in protest of pay cuts

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Federal University Kashere (ASUU-FUK) Branch, has initiated an Active Non-Compliance action, citing the Federal Government's alleged unlawful reduction of its members' salaries as the reason behind this move.

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This action, which falls under the category of industrial action, involves ASUU deliberately withholding cooperation from specified official duties, without necessarily resorting to a full-scale strike, in accordance with the guidelines of Active Non-Compliance (ANC).

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The decision to embark on this action was made after the union's efforts to resolve the salary dispute with the university management proved unsuccessful, prompting the branch to act on a directive from its National Executive Council (NEC).

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The ASUU-FUK Branch disclosed this information in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Dr Salihu Adam Jidda, which was made available to journalists in Gombe on Friday night, providing insight into the developments that led to this decision.

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The statement revealed that the decision was reached at an emergency branch congress held on August 13, 2026, marking a significant turning point in the union's efforts to address the salary issue.

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The 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement was implemented across universities in January 2026, following a Federal Government circular, but the union alleged that the salaries of its members were reduced in July 2026, which it deemed a breach of the agreement.

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This reduction, according to the union, has caused significant hardship for academic staff and impacted their ability to effectively discharge their responsibilities, highlighting the need for urgent action to resolve the matter.

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In an attempt to resolve the issue, the branch had engaged the Vice-Chancellor through written communications and physical meetings, but these efforts ultimately failed to produce a solution, prompting the activation of the NEC directive on Active Non-Compliance.

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The statement highlighted that the branch's activation of Active Non-Compliance was in line with directives issued by the National Executive Council (NEC), as outlined in the resolution of the pre-NEC meeting in Benin in 2025.

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As a result, with effect from August 13, ASUU-FUK members will withdraw from teaching and other specified academic and administrative duties, including examination preparation, administration, and marking, until the matter is resolved.

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The affected activities also include supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research, as well as participation in statutory university meetings and committees, which will be suspended until further notice.

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Additionally, members have been directed to suspend other official academic and administrative engagements, as undertaking these activities during the period of the action would be deemed anti-union activities.

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ASUU-FUK described the decision to activate Active Non-Compliance as "regrettable but necessary," emphasizing that its primary goal is to compel the Federal Government to honour the 2025 agreement and restore the full salaries of affected members.

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Despite the current action, the union reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of students and the integrity of the university, underscoring its dedication to finding a resolution that benefits all parties involved.

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The union urged the Federal Government and the university management to expedite their efforts to resolve the dispute, seeking a swift and amicable solution to the ongoing issue.

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Furthermore, ASUU-FUK appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to communicate its position to relevant university organs and refrain from victimising members for exercising their legitimate trade union rights.

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The union expressed hope that a "just and timely resolution" would be reached, enabling its members to return to normal academic duties and resume their responsibilities without further disruption.