From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benue State University Branch (ASUU-BSU) on Monday embarked on an indefinite, total and comprehensive strike action over critical welfare and governance issues affecting staff and the University.
A statement by the University ASUU’s Chairperson and Secretary Comrade Dr. Ali Sule Ako and Comrade Prof. Daniel Chile respectively, explained that the decision to embark on the strike was reached after years of sustained engagement with the University Administration, the Governing Council, and the Benue State Government.
The union lamented over the non-Payment of Pension and Gratuity, stating that many retired staff members have remained unpaid for years after retirement, some have died without receiving their entitlements, while others continue to face severe hardship despite dedicating their productive years to the service of the University, an act it considered as `unacceptable` and contrary to the principles of fairness and social justice.
Also, they decried the absence of an effective Health Insurance Scheme, pointing out that despite repeated appeals, the University failed to provide an effective health insurance scheme for staff as it members often contribute personal funds to support colleagues facing serious health challenges, maintaining that although staff were recently directed to enroll in a health insurance scheme, the required counterpart funding has not been provided, rendering the scheme ineffective.
Furthermore, the union frowned at the Irregular Pension Remittances, observing that the contributory pension scheme introduced in 2020 has been plagued by irregular remittances, particularly regarding employer contributions, while the failure of Government to consistently provide counterpart funding has created uncertainty and concern among staff, with no satisfactory resolution in sight.
Other issues the union identified as non-Payment of Promotion Arrears, stating that academic staff promoted since 2018 have largely been denied the financial benefits attached to their promotions despite numerous engagements with management and Government, promotion arrears remain unpaid, creating frustration and discouragement among staff.
On outstanding 25%/35% Wage Award Arrears, the Union said it sought approval for industrial action as staff were owed approximately twenty-two months of wage award arrears with only five months hurriedly paid after the University administration became aware of the Union’s move towards industrial action, which it rejected the piecemeal approach and insisted on a comprehensive settlement.
The statement explained that: “Incomplete implementation of the CATA Agreement
on the implementation of the Consequential Adjustment to Academic Salaries CATA has been inconsistent. Although implementation commenced in January 2026, arrears were only partially paid, and promises regarding subsequent payments have not been fulfilled. No clear implementation framework has been provided.
“Unresolved Taxation Issues. The Union remained concerned about excessive taxation of staff.
“An agreement reached in 2017 on the applicable tax regime appears to have been abandoned without consultation.
The resulting deductions continue to significantly reduce staff earnings amid worsening economic conditions.
“Rejection of the Senate-Nominated Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).”
Furthermore, the Union strongly condemned the rejection of the Senate-nominated candidate for Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ebute Agaba, without any stated reason.
It added that the subsequent directive for another election, which produced a different candidate, undermined due process, university autonomy, and democratic governance within the institution.
BSU ASUU Union branch said there were interventions from the ASUU Zone, and the National Executive Council, NEC aimed at resolving these issues amicably, positing that at its meeting in Yola, NEC reviewed the branch grievances, found merit in them, and initiated a fact-finding and intervention process, including a visit to the University.
It noted that despite these efforts, the Benue State Government, the University Administration and relevant authorities failed to engage the Union through a formal Memorandum of Understanding, MoU or Memorandum of Action MoA containing clear commitments and implementation timelines.
“Instead, the university administration resorted to isolated and uncoordinated payments without any negotiated framework.
“ These actions neither addressed the underlying issues nor provided a credible roadmap for resolution.
“We call on the Benue State Government, the University Administration, the Governing Council, students, parents, alumni, and all stakeholders to appreciate the circumstances that have necessitated this difficult but necessary action and to support efforts toward a lasting resolution,” the Union said.
