Ekiti Varsity Workers Vow Strike over Unpaid Salaries, Poor Funding

Ekiti State University Workers Threaten Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries and Poor Funding

Ekiti State University (EKSU) workers have issued a stern warning that they will embark on an indefinite strike starting from September 15, 2026, if their demands for unpaid salaries, improved welfare packages, and adequate funding are not addressed. The unions, under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ekiti State chapter, have accused the state government of neglect and financial mismanagement, which has plunged the institution into a deepening crisis. The recurring issue of unpaid salaries has become a critical flashpoint in this dispute.

This threat of industrial action comes barely two years after similar strikes crippled academic activities in Nigerian universities, exacerbating the already dire state of Nigeria’s higher education sector. With the 2026/2027 academic session just around the corner, the looming strike threatens to disrupt the academic calendar and further erode public confidence in the state’s educational institutions. The crisis at EKSU is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern affecting universities across Nigeria, where funding shortages, delayed salaries, and poor infrastructure have become systemic issues that demand urgent attention.

Understanding the Core Demands: Salaries, Welfare, and Funding

The unions’ ultimatum to Governor Biodun Oyebanji highlights a growing pattern of labour disputes in Nigerian public universities, where workers are increasingly forced to take drastic measures to draw attention to systemic failures. The situation in Ekiti State is not unique; it mirrors challenges faced by universities across Nigeria, where funding shortages, delayed salaries, and poor infrastructure have become the norm rather than the exception. The persistent issue of unpaid salaries has pushed workers to the brink.

The primary demands of the EKSU workers revolve around three critical areas:

1. Immediate Payment of Outstanding Salaries and Entitlements

Workers at EKSU have been owed several months of salaries, allowances, and other entitlements. The delay in payment has left many struggling to meet basic needs, including housing, healthcare, and education for their children. The unions argue that the state government has the financial capacity to meet these obligations but has failed to prioritize them. The recurring delays in paying unpaid salaries have worsened the crisis.

Example: A laboratory technician at EKSU, who chose to remain anonymous, shared that he has not received his salary for five consecutive months. He explained that the delay has forced him to rely on loans from colleagues and family members to sustain his family. “I used to be able to save for my children’s school fees,” he said. “Now, I’m barely able to put food on the table.”

2. Improved Welfare Packages

Beyond unpaid salaries, workers are demanding improved welfare packages that reflect the rising cost of living in Nigeria. This includes better healthcare coverage, housing allowances, and transportation subsidies. The unions argue that the current welfare packages are inadequate and do not account for the economic realities faced by workers in 2026. Addressing the issue of unpaid salaries must accompany these demands.

Example: A senior administrative staff member at EKSU, who preferred not to be named, revealed that the university’s health insurance scheme does not cover critical illnesses. “Last year, a colleague had to travel to Lagos for treatment because the university’s health facility could not handle the case,” she said. “The cost was overwhelming, and we had to contribute from our pockets.”

3. Sustainable Funding Mechanism

The unions have also called for a sustainable funding mechanism to ensure the university’s smooth operation. This includes regular releases of allocated funds, transparency in financial management, and increased budgetary allocations to the university. They argue that the state government has diverted funds meant for the university to other projects, leaving the institution grossly underfunded. Resolving the issue of unpaid salaries is central to stabilizing the university’s operations.

Example: The unions cited the recent construction of a new government house in Ado-Ekiti as an example of misplaced priorities. They argued that while political projects receive funding, the welfare of university workers and students is neglected. “We are not against development,” said Comrade Ayo Olatunji, Chairman of NASU, Ekiti State University chapter. “But the welfare of those who educate our children should come first.”

Governor Oyebanji’s Role and the State’s Financial Priorities

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who assumed office in October 2022, has faced criticism for his handling of the state’s finances, particularly in the education sector. While his administration has touted several infrastructure projects, including the renovation of some primary and secondary schools, university workers argue that these efforts do not address the root causes of the crisis in higher education. The recurring problem of unpaid salaries remains a major concern.

The unions have accused the state government of diverting funds meant for the university to other projects, leaving the institution grossly underfunded. They pointed to the recent construction of a new government house in Ado-Ekiti as an example of misplaced priorities, arguing that the welfare of university workers and students should take precedence over political projects. Addressing the issue of unpaid salaries is essential to restoring trust.

The Ekiti State government has not yet responded publicly to the unions’ demands, but insiders suggest that negotiations are underway. However, given the history of failed agreements in similar disputes, workers remain sceptical about the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis.

Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Higher Education Sector

The crisis at EKSU is emblematic of the challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education sector. Universities across the country are grappling with underfunding, delayed salaries, and poor infrastructure, which have led to frequent strikes and disruptions in academic activities. The frequent industrial actions have not only disrupted the academic calendar but have also eroded public confidence in the education system. The persistent issue of unpaid salaries is a recurring theme in these disputes.

In 2024, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on a six-month strike that crippled academic activities in public universities across Nigeria. The strike was called to protest the federal government’s failure to implement agreements reached in previous negotiations, including the payment of earned allowances and the revitalization of the university system. While the strike was eventually called off, the issues that led to it remain unresolved, and universities continue to face similar challenges in 2026. The problem of unpaid salaries persists as a key unresolved issue.

Example: In 2025, students at the University of Ilorin protested over the non-payment of their allowances, leading to clashes with the police. The protests disrupted academic activities for over two weeks, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of underfunding in the education sector. The issue of unpaid salaries was a major driver of these protests.

What’s at Stake: The Impact of a Potential Strike

The threat of an indefinite strike at EKSU has raised concerns about the potential impact on students, staff, and the broader community. If the strike proceeds as planned, it could disrupt the 2026/2027 academic session, leaving thousands of students in limbo. The unions have warned that the strike will not only affect academic activities but also exacerbate the already dire state of the university’s infrastructure and morale among workers. The unresolved issue of unpaid salaries has contributed to this dire situation.

Impact on Students: Students at EKSU are already facing challenges due to the university’s underfunding. Many have had to contend with inadequate learning materials, poorly maintained facilities, and delayed academic programs. A strike would further delay their graduation and potentially force them to seek alternative means of continuing their education, which may not be accessible or affordable. The problem of unpaid salaries has worsened these challenges.

Impact on Staff: The prolonged delay in salary payments has demoralized staff, many of whom are considering leaving the university for better-paying jobs in the private sector or other states. The strike threat is a last resort to draw attention to their plight and force the government to act. The issue of unpaid salaries has pushed many to this breaking point.

Impact on the Community: The university plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of Ekiti State. A prolonged strike could disrupt research activities, community engagement programs, and the university’s contribution to local development. It could also strain the relationship between the government and the academic community, further eroding trust in public institutions. The unresolved issue of unpaid salaries has contributed to this strain.

Possible Resolutions: What Can Be Done?

While the situation at EKSU is dire, there are steps that can be taken to resolve the crisis and prevent a strike. These include:

1. Immediate Payment of Outstanding Salaries

The state government must prioritize the payment of all outstanding salaries, allowances, and entitlements owed to workers. This will not only address the immediate financial needs of workers but also restore their confidence in the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis. Resolving the issue of unpaid salaries is the first critical step.

Example: In 2025, the Ondo State government paid all outstanding salaries owed to workers in the state-owned tertiary institutions after a similar threat of strike. The payment was made within two weeks, and the government committed to regular salary payments moving forward. This swift action prevented a strike and restored normalcy in the institutions.

2. Transparent and Sustainable Funding

The state government must ensure transparent and sustainable funding for EKSU. This includes regular releases of allocated funds, increased budgetary allocations, and a commitment to addressing the university’s infrastructure deficits. The government should also work with the university management to develop a long-term funding plan that ensures the institution’s sustainability. Addressing the issue of unpaid salaries must be part of this plan.

3. Dialogue and Negotiation

Open dialogue and negotiation between the state government, university management, and unions are critical to resolving the crisis. The government must demonstrate a willingness to listen to the concerns of workers and address them in good faith. This includes addressing the issues of poor welfare packages and inadequate funding, as well as the persistent problem of unpaid salaries.

Example: In 2026, the Lagos State University (LASU) management and unions reached an agreement to resolve a similar crisis through dialogue. The agreement included the payment of outstanding salaries, improved welfare packages, and a commitment to regular funding. The resolution prevented a strike and restored normalcy in the institution.

4. Accountability and Anti-Corruption Measures

The state government must also address the issue of financial mismanagement and corruption, which has contributed to the underfunding of the university. This includes investigating allegations of fund diversion and holding those responsible accountable. Transparency in financial management will not only restore confidence in the government but also ensure that funds allocated to the university are used for their intended purposes, including resolving the issue of unpaid salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are EKSU workers threatening to go on strike?

EKSU workers are threatening to go on an indefinite strike starting from September 15, 2026, if their demands for unpaid salaries, improved welfare packages, and adequate funding are not met. The unions have accused the state government of neglect, financial mismanagement, and diverting funds meant for the university to other projects.

2. What are the main demands of the EKSU workers?

The main demands of the EKSU workers include:

• Immediate payment of all outstanding salaries, allowances, and entitlements.
• Improved welfare packages, including better healthcare coverage, housing allowances, and transportation subsidies.
• A sustainable funding mechanism to ensure the university’s smooth operation, including regular releases of allocated funds and increased budgetary allocations.

3. How will the strike impact students and the community?

A strike at EKSU could disrupt the 2026/2027 academic session, leaving thousands of students in limbo. It could also exacerbate the university’s infrastructure deficits, demoralize staff, and strain the relationship between the government and the academic community. The broader community could also be affected by the disruption of research activities and community engagement programs. The unresolved issue of unpaid salaries has already contributed to these challenges.

4. What has the government done so far to address the crisis?

The Ekiti State government has not yet responded publicly to the unions’ demands, but insiders suggest that negotiations are underway. However, given the history of failed agreements in similar disputes, workers remain sceptical about the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis. The recurring issue of unpaid salaries has fueled this scepticism.

5. What can be done to resolve the crisis and prevent a strike?

To resolve the crisis and prevent a strike, the state government must:

• Prioritize the immediate payment of all outstanding salaries, allowances, and entitlements owed to workers.
• Ensure transparent and sustainable funding for EKSU, including regular releases of allocated funds and increased budgetary allocations.
• Engage in open dialogue and negotiation with the unions to address their concerns in good faith.
• Address the issue of financial mismanagement and corruption by investigating allegations of fund diversion and holding those responsible accountable.

6. Are there any precedents for resolving similar crises in Nigerian universities?

Yes, there have been precedents for resolving similar crises in Nigerian universities. For example, in 2025, the Ondo State government paid all outstanding salaries owed to workers in the state-owned tertiary institutions after a similar threat of strike. In 2026, the Lagos State University (LASU) management and unions reached an agreement to resolve a similar crisis through dialogue, which included the payment of outstanding salaries and improved welfare packages.

7. How can the public support the resolution of this crisis?

The public can support the resolution of this crisis by:

• Advocating for the prioritization of education funding and the welfare of university workers.
• Holding the government accountable for its actions and demanding transparency in financial management.
• Supporting the unions’ demands for immediate payment of outstanding salaries and improved welfare packages.
• Encouraging dialogue and negotiation between the government, university management, and unions to resolve the crisis in good faith.

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