The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benin Zone, has threatened to shut down academic activities in seven state owned universities across Edo, Delta and Ondo states should the 2025 Federal Government and ASUU Agreement remain unimplemented in the July salary payment.

The affected institutions are Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Delta State University, Abraka; University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro.

The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Benin Zone, Prof. Monday Igbafen, disclosed that the union had exhausted all avenues for engagement with the governors of the affected states, while pointing out that federal universities and 10 state owned universities nationwide had already fully implemented the agreement, including the payment of arrears.

According to Igbafen, the July salaries of members in the affected institutions must reflect the Consequential Adjustment of the Total Consolidated Academic Allowance and other entitlements contained in the agreement, as well as the payment of outstanding arrears dating back to January 2026.

Accusing the affected state governments of failing to provide the financial backing required for implementation, Igbafen stated: "Our members in these institutions are being shortchanged by the governors and visitors of Edo, Ondo and Delta states, who have failed to provide the financial backing required for implementation."

He further remarked that the continued non implementation of the agreement at the seven institutions was viewed by the Benin Zone "with grave concern," adding that congresses across the affected universities had endured six months of inaction despite repeated appeals.

"The patience of our congresses in these universities has been exhausted. For six months, our members have awaited concrete steps toward the implementation of the agreement. In return, they have been met only with trivialisation and disregard," Igbafen stated.

The union confirmed that its congresses in the affected state universities had commenced full mobilisation for what it described as a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike, citing the persistent failure of the Edo, Ondo and Delta state governments to honour the agreement.

Igbafen warned: "Any failure or further prevarication by the three state governments will inevitably provoke a total, comprehensive, and indefinite industrial action." He maintained that ASUU remained committed to industrial peace but stressed that "peace without justice is a mirage," urging the governors to act before the affected universities are shut down.