THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Akure Zone, has warned that it may embark on industrial action if the Ondo State Government continues to delay the implementation of the financial provisions contained in the 2025 Federal Government–ASUU Agreement.
Speaking during a press briefing at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, the union’s Zonal Coordinator, Adeola Egbedokun, accused the state government of failing to honour its commitments under the agreement despite being fully aware of its provisions.
According to him, the prolonged delay has negatively affected the welfare of academic staff and is impacting the smooth operation of state-owned universities.
He noted that the union deemed it necessary to inform students, parents, civil society organisations, and the general public about the situation.
Egbedokun noted that the agreement, which became financially effective on January 1, 2026, includes the payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), and Professorial Allowance. He explained that these benefits were introduced to improve lecturers’ welfare and enhance teaching, research, and academic excellence.
The union further argued that the failure to implement the nationally approved welfare packages has weakened staff morale, contributed to the migration of qualified academics, and poses a threat to the quality of higher education in the state.
ASUU warned that if the government fails to address the issue promptly, it will be left with no choice but to pursue all lawful trade union actions to press for the implementation of the agreement.
Responding to the concerns, Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Igbekele Ajibefun, said the government had already begun the process of implementing the agreement.
He assured university lecturers that the necessary steps would be completed soon.
Ajibefun also pointed out that Ondo is not the only state yet to implement the agreement, adding that no state within the ASUU Akure Zone has fully complied with its provisions so far.
