Lecturers at Plateau State University, Bokkos, have declared an indefinite strike following the failure of the university administration to resolve demands presented by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Plateau State University chapter.
The decision was reached on Wednesday after the union held a congress meeting following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the university management on August 11, 2026.
The lecturers said the industrial action became necessary because the issues contained in their six-point charter of demands had not been satisfactorily addressed.
The union directed all its members to suspend academic activities with immediate effect and continue the strike until the outstanding issues are resolved.
Among the major demands is the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme for members of the university's academic staff. The union is also demanding the full implementation of the 2025 agreement reached between the Federal Government and ASUU.
The lecturers are further seeking payment of arrears arising from the agreement, dating back to January 1, 2026.
Another major issue raised by the union is the demand for safe and secure accommodation for members of staff. The lecturers want the university authorities to provide adequate staff quarters and improve security around residential facilities.
The union is also demanding the construction of trenches around the university's perimeter fence, citing the need to strengthen security within and around the institution.
In addition, ASUU-PLASU is protesting what it described as intimidation of union leaders and wants such actions to stop.
The lecturers are also demanding the payment of 22 months' outstanding arrears relating to the 25 and 35 per cent wage award.
The union said the demands had been presented to the university administration and that sufficient time had been allowed for the issues to be addressed.
According to the lecturers, the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum without satisfactory resolutions left them with little option but to embark on industrial action.
The union's congress said it remained convinced that none of the six major issues had been adequately resolved.
The strike is expected to affect teaching, examinations and other academic activities at the university until the union and the university management reach an agreement.
The development could also create uncertainty for students, particularly those preparing for examinations or other academic programmes that require regular access to lecturers and university facilities.
Industrial disputes between university unions and their institutions have frequently centred on issues including salaries, allowances, pension arrangements, working conditions and infrastructure.
For the Plateau State University community, the immediate priority will now be finding a resolution that addresses the lecturers' concerns and allows academic activities to resume.
The union's action also places pressure on the university administration and relevant government authorities to engage with the lecturers and find a lasting solution to the dispute.
The lecturers have maintained that their demands are intended to improve their welfare and working conditions, as well as the overall environment in which teaching and research take place.
Until an agreement is reached, members of ASUU-PLASU are expected to remain away from academic duties as the indefinite strike continues.
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