The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero (AFUSTA) has decried the lingering welfare and administrative issues affecting academic activities at the institution.

In a press release issued on April 15, 2026, at the union’s secretariat in Aliero, Kebbi State, the branch leadership decried what it described as “labour-unfriendly conditions” and a lack of commitment by relevant authorities to address longstanding grievances.

The union noted that despite repeated engagements with the university management, governing council, and the Kebbi State Ministry for Higher Education, the issues remain unresolved, thereby hindering the smooth progress of academic activities.

Among the key concerns raised is the non-implementation of the recently approved remuneration package for academic staff in Nigerian universities, which took effect from January 1, 2026.

ASUU further stated that though the agreement was submitted to the appropriate authorities in January, it had yet to be implemented.

The union also highlighted the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) dating back to 2014.

According to the statement, computed allowances for hundreds of academic staff covering the periods of 2014–2021 and 2022–2024 were submitted to the Kebbi State Government in early 2025, but remain unpaid.

ASUU further lamented the accumulation of unpaid promotion arrears spanning several years, from 2016 to 2025, as well as the failure to implement annual salary increments, leading to mounting arrears for its members.

Other issues include unpaid wage awards, outstanding salary increment arrears, partial implementation of the new minimum wage, and a backlog of salary consequential adjustments dating from April 2019 to June 2024.

The union also raised concern over delays in the 2024 promotion exercise, noting that the assessment of candidates for the ranks of reader and professor had yet to be forwarded for external review.

ASUU-AFUSTA warned that if the issues were not addressed, it might be compelled to seek intervention from its national body, including the possibility of industrial action.

“The congress has resolved to notify the public and relevant stakeholders and may activate all available avenues, including requesting industrial action at the upcoming national executive council meeting scheduled for May 9–10, 2026, if these issues persist,” the statement added.

The union, however, called on the Kebbi State Government and university authorities to urgently address the concerns in the interest of academic stability and development in the institution. (Channels TV)

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