Academic activities at Plateau State University, Bokkos, have been disrupted following the declaration of a total and indefinite strike by the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
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The union, known as ASUU-PLASU, said the industrial action became necessary after the university administration failed to satisfactorily address six major demandsY presented by the lecturers.
The decision followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the university management on August 11, 2026. According to the union, its congress reviewed the administration’s response at a meeting on August 25 but concluded that the issues raised had not been adequately resolved.
In a statement signed by the ASUU-PLASU Chairperson, Dr Vincent Dung Choji, and Secretary, Comrade Lomka K. Iliya, the union said the administration’s response, contained in a letter dated August 18, failed to address the substance of its concerns.
Among the union’s demands is the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme for staff and the full implementation of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU.
The lecturers are also demanding payment of outstanding arrears dating from January 2026.
Other issues raised by the union include the provision of safe and secure accommodation for staff, construction of trenches around the university’s perimeter fence and an end to what it described as intimidation of union leaders.
ASUU-PLASU is further demanding payment of 22 months’ outstanding arrears relating to the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage awards.
The union said its decision to embark on the strike received the approval of ASUU’s National Executive Council before the branch congress resolved to commence the action.
Consequently, members have been directed to suspend teaching, research and other academic activities until further notice.
The development is expected to affect students and other members of the university community, with the union appealing for understanding from students, parents and other stakeholders.
ASUU-PLASU maintained that the strike was not embarked upon without attempts at dialogue, stressing that the action followed what it described as the failure of previous efforts to resolve the issues amicably.
The latest development places renewed pressure on the university administration to engage the union and seek a resolution that could restore academic activities at the institution.
For students, the duration of the disruption will depend largely on how quickly the outstanding issues are addressed and whether both sides can reach an acceptable agreement.
The situation also highlights the continuing challenges confronting industrial relations in Nigeria’s public university system, particularly over staff welfare, implementation of agreements and payment of outstanding entitlements.
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