ASUU Declares Strike at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Over Unpaid Salaries

• ASUU declares strike at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University over unpaid salaries
• Strike affects all academic activities, including teaching and examinations
• University authority has only paid two out of four components of the Federal Government and ASUU 2025 agreement
• Strike will have far-reaching consequences for students and staff alike

The union is calling on the authorities to pay all outstanding salaries to allow academic activities to resume.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a total and comprehensive strike with immediate effect at the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. The decision was taken at a congress held on August 12, 2026, where members resolved to embark on the strike until all outstanding salaries are paid. According to ASUU-JOSTUM chairperson Terseer Abari, the university authority has only paid two out of four components of the Federal Government and ASUU 2025 agreement, leaving a significant portion unpaid.

The 'No-Pay-No-Work' strike will affect all academic activities, including teaching, student supervision, examinations, and statutory meetings. The union is calling on the authorities to pay all outstanding salaries to allow academic activities to resume.

The issue of unpaid salaries is not new to Nigerian universities. In recent years, several institutions have faced similar challenges, with ASUU members often bearing the brunt of the financial struggles. The 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU aimed to address these issues, but it appears that some universities are still struggling to meet their obligations. The case of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University is a stark reminder of the need for prompt payment of salaries to avoid disruptions in academic activities.

The university's failure to pay all components of the agreement has led to the current strike, which will have far-reaching consequences for students and staff alike. It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to ASUU's demands and whether a resolution can be reached soon.

The strike at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University has significant implications for academic activities. With no teaching, student supervision, or examinations taking place during the strike period, students may face delays in their academic progress. Moreover, the strike will also affect research and other academic pursuits, leading to a loss of productivity and potential revenue for the university.

Lawyers advising clients with interests in the university should be aware of the potential disruption to academic activities and ensure that any contractual obligations or agreements are reviewed in light of this development.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH