Plateau State University's ASUU chapter warns of open-ended work stoppage due to withheld wages and outstanding payments.

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Plateau State University branch, has threatened to embark on a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike” if the Plateau State Government fails to implement the new salary scheme for lecturers and clear outstanding arrears.

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In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the union said it submitted the Federal Government/ASUU agreement containing the new salary template to the university management in February 2026, but lecturers were still being paid under the old scheme despite worsening economic conditions.

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“Sadly, we remain on the old salary scheme despite the harsh economic realities lecturers face daily,” the statement jointly signed by the branch Chairperson, Dr Vincent Choji, and Secretary, Dr Lomka Iliya Kopdiya, said.

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The union accused the state government and university management of expanding the institution through increased student enrolment and the introduction of new faculties without addressing the workload and welfare of staff.

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“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.

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“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 read.

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The union disclosed that it had lost at least four lecturers in recent months to stress and heart-related complications. It also cited unresolved issues surrounding campus security, high transportation costs and lack of staff accommodation.

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“Tragically, in recent months, the union has lost over four committed lecturers to stress and heart-related complications. Furthermore, critical concerns regarding campus security, high transportation costs and the lack of staff accommodation remain unaddressed,” the statement said.

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ASUU-PLASU said other commitments in the 2024 agreement between the state government and the union had also been abandoned.

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“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.

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The union urged the government to act immediately to avert a shutdown of academic activities.

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“We urgently call on the State Government to implement the new salary scheme and pay all the arrears from January 1, 2026, release funds to cater for pension and gratuity, and address all other pending issues in the signed agreement to avert a looming, total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action,” the statement said.

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