The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria Branch, has officially declared an immediate withdrawal of services by all its members. This resolution was reached following an emergency Congress meeting held today, Thursday, 9th April 2026, at the Abdullahi Smith Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Arts.
The branch leadership has directed all academic staff to cease all official duties—including teaching, examinations, and statutory meetings—effective immediately.
I. RATIONALE FOR THE SERVICE WITHDRAWAL
The decision to withdraw services is a direct response to critical welfare concerns that have remained unresolved despite previous engagements. Key factors include:
- Salary Delays: The Congress deliberated extensively on the persistent and "unacceptable" delay in the payment of salaries, specifically concerning the March 2026 pay cycle.
- National Directive: This local action aligns with the broader pre-NDC National Executive Council (NEC) resolutions, which emphasize collective bargaining and industrial action in response to systemic welfare failures.
- Welfare Infringement: The union maintains that the non-payment of earned wages constitutes a breach of labor agreements and significantly hinders the professional output of its members.
II. DURATION AND SCOPE OF ACTION
According to the official communique, the industrial action is absolute and will follow these parameters:
- Indefinite Nature: The service withdrawal will remain in full effect until all outstanding salaries for the month of March 2026 are settled and reflected in members' accounts.
- Impact on Academic Activities: All lecture halls, laboratories, and seminar rooms are expected to be vacated. Ongoing research supervisions and departmental administrative tasks are also suspended under this directive.
- Immediate Compliance: Members are expected to adhere strictly to this resolution as a demonstration of union solidarity.
III. ADVISORY TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
- To Students: Undergraduate and postgraduate students are advised to take note of this development. While campus facilities may remain open, formal instructional activities are suspended until the union reaches a new resolution.
- To Management: The union leadership remains open to dialogue, provided that the primary demand—the full payment of outstanding wages—is met without further delay.
CONCLUSION: STANDING FOR INDUSTRIAL JUSTICE
ASUU-ABU Zaria reiterates its commitment to the defense of the university system and the welfare of the Nigerian academic. The union regrets any disruption this may cause to the academic calendar but maintains that the "dignity of labor" must be preserved.
Signed:
Salisu Umar — Chairman, ASUU-ABU
Hussain A. Abdullahi — Secretary, ASUU-ABU
Date of Declaration: April 9, 2026