The Academic Staff Union of Universities branch at Plateau State University has threatened a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike unless the Plateau State Government implements a new salary scheme for lecturers and clears all outstanding arrears dating from 1 January 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by branch Chairperson Dr Vincent Choji and Secretary Dr Lomka Iliya Kopdiya, the union disclosed that it had submitted the Federal Government and ASUU agreement containing the new salary template to University management in February 2026, but lecturers remain on the old scheme. "Sadly, we remain on the old salary scheme despite the harsh economic realities lecturers face daily," the statement read.

The Union accused the State Government and University management of expanding the institution through increased student enrolment and the introduction of new faculties and departments without addressing the corresponding increase in staff workload or improving welfare conditions. "Our members are working harder than ever to teach and mould the character of these students, yet their well being is not being addressed," the statement said.

ASUU disclosed that the branch had lost at least four lecturers in recent months to stress and heart related complications, describing the losses as tragic. The Union also flagged unresolved concerns over campus security, high transportation costs and the absence of staff accommodation as compounding factors driving the grievances.

Beyond salary arrears, the union stated that commitments contained in a 2024 agreement signed between the State Government and the Union had been entirely abandoned. "These pressing challenges, along with other outstanding issues from the agreement signed between the State Government and the union in 2024, have been entirely abandoned," the statement noted.

The Union called on the government to release funds for pension and gratuity obligations and resolve all pending issues in the signed agreement to prevent a shutdown of academic activities. "We urgently call on the State Government to implement the new salary scheme and pay all the arrears from January 1, 2026, release funds to cater for pension and gratuity, and address all other pending issues in the signed agreement to avert a looming, total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action," the statement warned.