The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened a total shutdown of Nigerian universities if the Federal Government fails to address concerns over delayed salary payments and other outstanding welfare issues.
The development raises fresh concerns over the stability of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, with students and university authorities potentially facing another disruption of academic activities if the dispute escalates.
ASUU has maintained that its members cannot be expected to continue teaching when their salaries are not paid as and when due. The union’s position is reflected in its “no pay, no classes” stance, which could see lecturers withdraw their services across universities nationwide.
The threat is particularly significant because disruptions in the university system can affect lectures, examinations, academic calendars and graduation timelines. A nationwide shutdown could also create additional uncertainty for students who have already experienced interruptions to their education in previous years.
ASUU has repeatedly raised concerns over the payment of lecturers’ salaries and academic allowances. In April 2026, the union’s University of Jos branch suspended a withdrawal of services after members received their March salaries, although it complained that the Earned Academic Allowance had not been included. The branch subsequently called for full implementation of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU.
The salary dispute is not entirely new. In 2025, ASUU National President Professor Chris Piwuna said lecturers had experienced repeated delays in receiving their salaries following the union’s departure from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). He stated that the union had consequently adopted a “no-pay-no-work” policy.
The latest warning therefore places renewed pressure on the Federal Government and university authorities to resolve outstanding issues before they trigger a nationwide disruption.
For students, the outcome of the negotiations will be closely watched as any industrial action could have significant consequences for Nigeria’s already pressured university system.
