ASUU warns salary payment won’t stop fresh strike in Ondo universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) chapter, has warned that the payment of outstanding salary arrears will not avert another round of industrial action unless the Ondo State Government implements the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement.

 

The union disclosed that it had concluded internal processes for a fresh strike and was awaiting approval from its national leadership, adding that the planned action could involve all three state-owned universities in Ondo State.

 

AAUA lecturers have been on an indefinite strike since July 10 over unpaid salaries.

 

Speaking on Monday, the Chairman of ASUU-AAUA, Dr. Boluwaji Oshodi, said the union had received reports that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved funds to clear the salary arrears but insisted the strike would only be suspended after members received payment alerts.

 

“Government has not spoken to us directly. We have heard that funds have been released, but as a union, we don’t work with promises. We work with action. Until we receive salary alerts, we will not believe the money has been released,” Oshodi said.

 

He stated that lecturers are currently owed salaries for May, June and July.

 

Oshodi added that beyond the salary issue, the union was preparing for another industrial action over the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement.

 

“Even if this particular strike is suspended, there is a pending strike that can commence at any time if the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement is not implemented in our university,” he said.

 

According to him, the planned action would also affect Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) and the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED).

 

“This one will be brutal because it will involve all three Ondo State-owned universities. AAUA, OAUSTECH and UNIMED will embark on the strike at the same time,” he stated.

 

The ASUU chairman noted that the agreement, which took effect in January 2026, had already been implemented in federal universities and several state-owned institutions, leaving lecturers in Ondo State at a disadvantage.

 

Meanwhile, the management of Adekunle Ajasin University said Governor Aiyedatiwa had approved a special intervention fund to enable the institution meet its financial obligations and appealed to students to remain calm while payment processes are being concluded.