ASUU Threatens Academic Suspension in Bayelsa Universities Over CBA Violations
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a warning about the potential suspension of academic activities at three universities in Bayelsa State due to the state government’s failure to adhere to the 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The CBA renegotiates terms set in an earlier 2009 agreement between ASUU and the federal government. Despite several attempts to engage with the state government since the federal announcement of the agreement earlier this year, ASUU has not received a satisfactory response.
Bayelsa State oversees the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, the University of Africa (UAT) in Truorua, and the Bayelsa University of Medical Sciences (BMU) in Yenagoa, where representatives from each institution attended a press conference addressing these pressing issues.
Lucky Bebetade, the Chair of ASUU-NDU, who spoke on behalf of the Port Harcourt Zone Chairman Uzonma Chima, emphasized the urgency of involving the CBA Implementation Monitoring Committee to prevent the impending industrial action. He also highlighted the need for essential staff accommodations at these universities and urged parents, guardians, and students to advocate for improvements with the state government.
In a statement, ASUU expressed frustration over the ongoing lack of progress, stating that they had hoped for collaborative efforts with the Bayelsa State government since engagement began in January 2026. However, the delayed implementation continues to jeopardize the educational environment, leading to concerns of a looming industrial crisis.
Bebetade pointed out that other states, including Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Benue, Bauchi, and Sokoto, have already initiated the implementation process, highlighting a disconnect where oil-rich states lag behind despite having greater financial resources.
ASUU further explained that the Integrated Academic Tools Allowance is specifically designated for university faculty and staff, not for civil servants. The union has also stressed that the absence of foreign staff and students, along with poor global university rankings, can be attributed to the failure to implement the CBA.
Compounding these issues is the lack of staff accommodation in the Bayelsa universities, forcing faculty members to commute daily from the state capital to their workplaces. While ASUU has refrained from issuing a formal ultimatum, indications suggest that industrial action may commence within the next two weeks if the state government continues to delay compliance with the CBA.
