By Abdussamad Yahya Sufi
Academic activities at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, are set to be disrupted following a directive by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ABU branch, instructing its members to withdraw their services over the non-payment of March 2026 salaries.
The decision was reached during a congress meeting held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Abdullahi Smith Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Arts. The meeting deliberated extensively on the persistent delay in salary payments, which has caused anxiety among academic staff.
In a resolution issued at the end of the meeting, the union expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, stating that the delay has placed serious financial pressure on its members. The congress therefore resolved that all lecturers should immediately down tools in line with earlier national directives until their salaries are fully paid.
A statement, jointly endorsed by the Chairman, Salisu Umar, and the Secretary, Hussain A. Abdullahi, emphasized that the action aligns with broader union resolutions aimed at addressing recurring salary issues affecting university lecturers nationwide.
“This decision follows a robust discussion and is in line with the pre-existing resolution of the union’s National Executive Council,” the statement read. “Members are hereby directed to withdraw their services until the outstanding salaries are paid.”
The situation raises fears about the potential effect on students, many of whom are already struggling with academic uncertainties. Lectures, assessments, and other academic activities are expected to be suspended indefinitely if the situation continues.