GOMBE, NIGERIA — The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Federal University Kashere branch, has commenced an “Active Non-Compliance” action over the alleged unlawful reduction of members’ salaries by the Federal Government, a move that threatens to disrupt academic activities at the institution.
The union announced the decision following an emergency branch congress held on August 13, 2026, after efforts to resolve the salary dispute through the university management failed to yield results . According to a letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor and signed by Branch Chairperson, Comrade Salihu Adam Jiddah, and Secretary, Comrade Abdulkadir Aikoye Baba, the action follows the “unlawful amputation” of members’ salaries in July 2026 .
The union recalled that the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement was implemented across universities in January 2026 following a Federal Government circular . However, members’ pay was reduced again in July, causing “severe hardship” and undermining their ability to meet institutional responsibilities . The development has been described as a breach of the agreement that subjected academic staff to significant financial strain .
Following directives from the National Executive Council and a resolution at the 36th Emergency Branch Congress, ASUU-FUK said it was mandated to activate Active Non-Compliance as agreed at the pre-NDC NEC meeting in Benin . “During the period of non-compliance, union members have been directed to withdraw from teaching duties, examination set-up, administration, marking, supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate researches, attendance at statutory university meetings and committees, and any other official academic or administrative engagements,” the letter reads .
The union warned that any member who undertakes the listed duties would be engaging in “anti-Union” conduct . The branch described the action as “regrettable but necessary,” saying it was intended to compel the Federal Government to honour the 2025 agreement and restore the full salaries of affected members .
ASUU-FUK said the branch had earlier engaged the Vice-Chancellor through written communications and physical meetings in an effort to secure intervention and resolve the matter, but those engagements failed to produce a solution . “We remain committed to the welfare of our students and the integrity of the University. Therefore, we call on the Federal Government to expedite a just resolution that will enable our return to normal academic services,” the letter stated .
The union also urged the Vice Chancellor to communicate the position to relevant university organs and to “refrain from victimisation of our members exercising their legitimate Union rights” . ASUU-FUK expressed hope that a just and timely resolution would be reached to enable members to resume normal academic duties .
The industrial action at Federal University Kashere comes barely a few days after lecturers at Gombe State University declared a total strike over similar issues . The Gombe State University branch had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding the payment of outstanding Earned Academic Allowances, arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage awards, and implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage .
