The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Yobe State University (YSU) has clarified that its ongoing strike, initiated on July 11, remains in effect despite partial progress in negotiations with the state government. In a statement released Monday in Damaturu, YSU-ASUU Chairman Dr. Ahmed Karage emphasized that unmet demands related to salaries, promotions, and arrears continue to stall a resolution.
While acknowledging the government’s implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage adjustment in July, Karage stressed that broader grievances remain unresolved. Key outstanding issues include the delayed implementation of promotions approved by the university council and unpaid promotion arrears spanning 2018 to 2025. Additionally, the union seeks settlement of minimum wage adjustment arrears from 2019 to 2024, a 25-35% salary increase for professors and other academic staff from 2023 to 2025, and unpaid portions of the revised minimum wage dating back to January 2024.
Karage urged public understanding, assuring that the strike would be suspended only after a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is finalized with Yobe State authorities. The stalemate highlights persistent tensions over staff welfare in Nigerian higher education institutions, where strikes have become a recurring strategy for pressing demands. ASUU, a nationwide union representing university lecturers, has historically advocated for improved funding, salary structures, and academic autonomy, with local chapters often negotiating region-specific issues.
The YSU chapter’s decision to prolong industrial action reflects frustrations over delayed financial commitments, which affect both staff livelihoods and institutional operations. Students and academic activities remain disrupted as negotiations continue, underscoring the broader challenges facing public universities in balancing fiscal constraints with staff welfare. Authorities have yet to publicly respond to the latest demands.
