By Esosa Omorogbe
EKPOMA — The Management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has clarified that the indefinite strike embarked upon by the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is primarily over issues relating to the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria–ASUU Agreement and not over the payment of staff salaries.
The clarification followed the expiration of a 14-day notice issued by the AAU ASUU chapter, which subsequently directed its members to commence an indefinite and total strike in line with the directive of the union’s national leadership.
The university management in a statement issued by the Principal Assistant Registrar/ Head, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Aladenika, copies of which were made available to newsmen in Benin said the "national directive was targeted particularly at state-owned universities, directing affected branches to engage relevant authorities on the implementation of applicable provisions of the 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement."
According to the management, the 14-day notice issued by the AAU chapter expired on Monday, August 24, 2026, paving the way for the commencement of the industrial action.
Management, however, stressed that the development should not be interpreted as a protest against the university’s inability or failure to pay workers’ salaries, insisting that it had remained committed to meeting its statutory salary obligations.
It attributed the university’s continued ability to meet its salary obligations to the support and interventions of the Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, saying such interventions had enabled the institution to sustain its commitment to staff welfare.
According to Otunba Aladenika "salary payments remained within the administrative responsibilities of the university, several issues arising from the 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement involved broader policy and financial considerations beyond the direct authority of the institution."
"We acknowledged the concerns raised by ASUU and also recognised the importance of the issues to the welfare of academic staff and the stability of the Nigerian university system."
The university further disclosed that discussions with the Edo State Government on matters arising from the agreement were ongoing, expressing optimism that continued consultations and dialogue among the relevant stakeholders would produce an amicable resolution.
Management then appealed to staff, students, parents, guardians and other members of the university community to remain calm and properly situate the current industrial action, stressing that it should not be attributed to the university’s inability to pay salaries.
It assured the university community of its continued engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders, as well as collaboration with the Edo State Government, towards resolving the outstanding issues and restoring normal academic activities.
The statement, also appealed to staff and students to exercise understanding, calm and restraint while efforts towards resolving the dispute continue.
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