The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benue State University branch (ASUU-BSU), Monday, declared a total and comprehensive strike over unresolved welfare and governance issues affecting the staff and the institution.
The decision was reached during the union’s congress held Monday, following what ASUU described as years of unsuccessful engagement with the university administration, governing council and the Benue state government.
In a statement jointly signed by the branch chairperson, Dr Ali Sule Ako, and secretary, Prof. Daniel Chile, the union accused the authorities of failing to address critical concerns, including the non-payment of pensions and gratuities to retired staff, irregular pension remittances and unpaid promotion arrears dating back to 2018.
ASUU-BSU also decried the absence of an effective health insurance scheme for staff, noting that lecturers often contribute personal funds to support colleagues battling serious illnesses.
The union further lamented the non-payment of outstanding 25 and 35 per cent wage award arrears, saying only five months were hurriedly paid after management became aware of plans for industrial action.
The union equally faulted the incomplete implementation of the Consequential Adjustment to Academic Salaries (CATA), excessive taxation of staff and what it described as the unlawful rejection of the Senate-nominated Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Ebute Agaba.
The lecturers’ action is happening amidst Benue state governor Hyacinth Alia’s main focus on politicking as he focus on his return bid ahead of 2027 general election.