The industrial atmosphere at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has been thrown into uncertainty as lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) declared an indefinite strike over alleged non-payment of salary arrears.
The strike action, which began after the union’s congress on Thursday, August 21, 2025, was formally announced on Sunday by the ASUU-AAUA Chairman, Dr. Boluwaji Oshodi, and Secretary, Dr. Olusegun Taiwo, in a statement titled “Withdrawal of Services.”
The union said:
“We write on behalf of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko Branch, to notify you of the withdrawal of services to the University by members of our union. This is in line with the resolution taken at the Congress on Thursday, August 21, 2025, over the non-payment of our salaries and arrears. By this memo, our members have been directed to withdraw their services from all academic activities in the University until all our outstanding salaries and arrears are paid.”
The action has sparked concerns among students and parents, many of whom fear prolonged disruption to the academic calendar.
Government’s Response
Reacting to the development, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, said the government had taken steps to resolve the crisis.
He assured:
“A committee was set up to resolve the issue. It has met, and recommendations have been made. For the salary arrears, the governor has given a directive to the university for the payment of the outstanding salaries. I know that within the next few days, the issues will be resolved.”
Mr. Ajanaku added that the government had increased subventions to AAUA and other tertiary institutions in the state, promising that the standoff would not linger.
The headline issue, Ondo Promises Salary Payment as AAUA Lecturers Begin Strike reflects ongoing tensions between state governments and university lecturers across Nigeria. ASUU has repeatedly accused government institutions of failing to prioritize education funding, a trend that often triggers industrial disputes.
Observers warn that unless the Ondo government moves swiftly, the crisis could escalate, disrupting thousands of students’ academic progress at Adekunle Ajasin University.
