Academic activities at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, have been thrown into uncertainty following the declaration of an indefinite strike by the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities over unpaid salaries and other outstanding entitlements.
The decision was reached at an ASUU-JOSTUM congress held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, according to a statement issued by the union’s branch chairman, Terseer Abari. The action was adopted under the theme, “No-Pay-No-Work,” as lecturers demand the payment of outstanding salaries and other financial obligations owed to members.
The union appealed to the relevant authorities to settle all outstanding payments, stressing that lecturers should not be expected to continue working without receiving their earned wages. The development adds to growing concerns over staff welfare and the financial challenges facing some state-owned universities in Nigeria.
The latest action follows months of disagreements over the welfare of academic staff at the university. Earlier in June, reports indicated that ASUU at the Benue institution had also embarked on an indefinite strike over several unresolved issues, including unpaid benefits and other staff-related concerns.
The union had previously raised concerns about salary arrears, promotion benefits and other welfare-related issues, warning that prolonged delays in resolving the matters could negatively affect the university’s academic environment.
For students, another disruption to academic activities could mean further uncertainty over lectures, examinations and the academic calendar. Universities depend heavily on the stability of their teaching staff, making the prompt resolution of disputes between workers and authorities essential to maintaining uninterrupted learning.
ASUU’s position also highlights a broader challenge within Nigeria’s public university system, where disagreements over salaries, allowances, promotions and funding have repeatedly resulted in industrial actions. While strikes are often used by unions as a last resort to compel authorities to act, their consequences are ultimately felt by students whose education is disrupted.
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