UNIBEN Lecturers Refuse to Back Down as Salary Dispute Deepens

Members of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have resolved to continue their indefinite strike over what the union described as the underpayment of their August 2026 salaries.

The decision was reached at an ASUU congress after the union said the university management failed to provide satisfactory clarification on the amount paid to lecturers, the outstanding balance and when the balance would be settled.

In a communiqué issued after the congress, the union declared a total and indefinite withdrawal of services until it considers the alleged salary shortfall fully resolved.

The communiqué was signed by the branch Chairman, Professor Enaruna Edosa, and Secretary, Dr Lucky Aimiyekagbon.

ASUU directed its members to suspend teaching, supervision and participation in Departmental Board, Faculty Board and Senate meetings, as well as other academic and administrative activities for the duration of the industrial action.

The union said its decision was based on existing resolutions of its National Executive Council (NEC), including a September 5, 2026 emergency resolution directing branches in federal universities affected by salary underpayment to take action.

However, UNIBEN management has rejected ASUU’s claim that lecturers were paid half salaries for August.

In a statement by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, management said the Federal Government had paid the salaries of all categories of staff up to August 2026.

According to the university, the payment being interpreted as half salary was the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which had been released by the Federal Government and disbursed to eligible staff.

Management assured staff that all legitimate entitlements would be paid and urged stakeholders to avoid sensationalising the matter.

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