Academic staff Union of Universities,ASUU, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma chapter have commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria–Academic Staff Union of Universities (FGN-ASUU) Agreement.
ASUU , AAU , Ekooma said the strike took effect from 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued by the union to the Edo State Government.
ASUU, AAU at its congress held on Monday, said there had been no formal response or commitment from the University authorities or the state government towards implementing the agreement.
In a resolution signed by the Chairman and Secretary of ASUU, AAU, Ekpoma chapter, Dr. Cyril Oziegbe Onogbosele and
Dr. William Odion, respectively said it “decried the failure by the University authorities and Edo State Government to meet the demands of the Union on the Agreement, namely implementation of the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement, and payment of the accrued arrears of allowances in the Agreement from January 2026 to date.”
The union directed members to withdraw all statutory services, including teaching and lecturing, conduct and invigilation of undergraduate and postgraduate examinations, oral, computer-based and paper-based examinations, as well as statutory meetings.
The strike also covers supervision of students’ research projects, Industrial Training (IT) and Teaching Practice.
Congress further mandated the branch executive to engage the media through press conferences and statements on the non-implementation of the agreement and directed the activation of the Strike Monitoring Team.
Meanwhile, the Management of Ambrose Alli University has clarified that the industrial action is principally connected with the implementation of
the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement and should not be misconstrued as a protest over non-payment of salaries.In a statement signed by the
Head, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Aladenika, the Management said the University had remained committed to meeting its statutory salary obligations to staff.
“Management wishes to clarify that the current industrial action should not be attributed to an inability or failure of Ambrose Alli University to pay staff salaries,” the statement said.
According to Management, with the support and interventions of the Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the University had continued to meet its salary obligations and demonstrate its commitment to staff welfare.
“It is, therefore, necessary to distinguish between the University’s regular salary obligations and the broader issues arising from the implementation of the 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement, which involve matters extending beyond the direct administrative authority of the University Management,” it stated.
AAU, Ekpoma management also acknowledged the concerns raised by ASUU and said engagements with the Edo State Government on matters arising from the agreement were ongoing.
It expressed optimism that continued consultations and dialogue among the relevant stakeholders would lead to an amicable resolution of the outstanding issues and an early suspension of the strike.
The University Management urged members of the university community, students, parents, guardians and the general public to properly situate the development and avoid attributing the strike to an inability of the institution to pay staff salaries.
Management also appealed for calm and restraint as efforts continue towards resolving the issues and restoring normal academic activities at the university.
