ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike At IBB University By Famrah: Agreement Non-Implementation

• The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, has commenced an indefinite strike.
• The industrial action stems from the alleged non-implementation of key provisions of the 2025 federal government-ASUU agreement by the state government.
• ASUU-IBBU Chairman Galadima Bala stated that the strike became necessary after all attempts at engagement and appeals failed to resolve the issues.
• The union highlighted that approximately 16 other state-owned universities have already begun implementing the agreement, warning Niger State risks falling behind.
• ASUU-IBBU expressed concern over academic staff departures from non-implementing universities and urged the Niger State Government to address grievances for the state's development and security.

They warn that such oversight could have far-reaching implications, adversely affecting the state's development trajectory and its security landscape.

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, have initiated an indefinite industrial action. This significant development, where ASUU declares an indefinite strike at IBB University, follows an emergency congress and a subsequent press conference held on the university premises. The union's decision was formally announced on Monday, marking a critical escalation in their ongoing dispute with the state government.

The agreement at the heart of the current dispute is a comprehensive accord reached with the participation of both state governments and public universities. Mr. Bala underscored the importance of this agreement, asserting that its full execution is vital for the smooth functioning and overall stability of higher education institutions. He pointed out that approximately sixteen state-owned universities across the nation have already commenced implementing the provisions of this very agreement.

Among the institutions cited as having begun implementation are those in Bauchi, Gombe, Benue, Yobe, Osun, Ekiti, Kano, and Nasarawa states. This widespread adoption by other state universities serves as a benchmark, with ASUU-IBBU cautioning that Niger State risks lagging behind its counterparts if it fails to address the union's concerns promptly. A significant worry for the union is the ongoing exodus of academic staff from universities where the agreement remains unimplemented. As an illustration, the union claimed that Kaduna State University experienced the departure of over 200 lecturers, although this specific figure has been contested by the university itself.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities at IBBU has voiced profound apprehension regarding the potential long-term consequences of neglecting the education sector. They warn that such oversight could have far-reaching implications, adversely affecting the state's development trajectory and its security landscape. Consequently, the union has issued a strong appeal to the Niger State Government, urging immediate action to address their grievances and to undertake concrete steps toward fulfilling the outstanding provisions of the agreement.

Despite the declaration of an indefinite strike, ASUU-IBBU affirmed its readiness for genuine and constructive dialogue with the government. The union clarified that the industrial action would be suspended only upon a clear demonstration of commitment and tangible actions aimed at resolving the contentious issues. In the interim, ASUU-IBBU has called upon its members to maintain composure, discipline, and adherence to the law throughout the duration of the strike, while also expressing regret for any inconvenience this action may cause to students, parents, and other affected stakeholders.

Source: Reporting based on an article by Premium Times.