The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kaduna State University (KASU) branch, has announced an indefinite strike effective from February 18, 2025, due to lingering welfare concerns that remain unaddressed by the Kaduna State government. The decision was formally communicated in a statement released on Tuesday and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna. The statement, signed by the union’s Chairman, Dr. Peter Adamu, and Secretary, Dr. Peter Waziri, highlighted the severity of the situation and the union’s resolve to take decisive action.
Approval and Rationale for the Strike
According to the statement, the strike was approved by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) following a request from the KASU branch congress. The congress unanimously agreed to embark on a “total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike” starting on February 18, 2025. The union expressed strong dissatisfaction with the promises made by the Kaduna State government, describing them as lacking substance, specific details, and actionable timelines for resolving the outstanding entitlements owed to its members. This lack of concrete commitment from the government was a key factor in the union’s decision to proceed with the industrial action.
Unresolved Welfare Issues
The union outlined several critical welfare issues that have remained unresolved, prompting the strike. One of the primary concerns is the non-payment of withheld salaries, which include 60 percent of salaries withheld in September 2017 and salaries for the period from May to September 2022. Additionally, the union highlighted the failure to pay Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) since 2016, as well as promotion arrears and allowances for supervising the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
Other unresolved matters include the non-payment of Group Life Assurance and other entitlements for deceased members, the non-remittance of pension contributions from 2009 to 2019, and the implementation of a 25 percent and 35 percent wage award. These financial obligations, which have accumulated over the years, have significantly impacted the morale and financial stability of the academic staff.
Demand for University Autonomy
The union also raised concerns about the erosion of the university’s autonomy, describing it as another major grey area in their negotiations with the state government. The lack of autonomy has reportedly hindered the institution’s ability to function effectively and address internal challenges. The restoration of KASU’s autonomy is seen as essential for ensuring the university’s independence and the well-being of its academic community.
Impact and Future Outlook
The indefinite strike is expected to disrupt academic activities at Kaduna State University, affecting students, faculty, and administrative staff. The union’s action underscores the depth of frustration among its members and their determination to secure fair treatment and fulfillment of long-standing promises. As the strike continues, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the Kaduna State government will engage in meaningful dialogue and provide the specific, actionable solutions demanded by ASUU to resolve the crisis. Until then, the future of academic operations at KASU remains uncertain.
