ASUU strike grounds UNIBEN academic activities, AAU joins in

By Jethro Ibileke

The two-week nationwide warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has paralysed the ongoing second-semester examinations at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State.

The strike, which commenced on Monday, 13 October 2025, was called by ASUU’s national leadership to compel the Federal Government to implement the long-standing 2009 agreement between both parties.

At UNIBEN, several faculties were forced to suspend their examinations as lecturers withdrew from all academic duties.

A member of the Students’ Union, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the disruption varied across departments.

“Not all students wrote their exams today. Some did, while others didn’t, it depends on the faculty and department,” the student said.

Confirming total compliance, the Chairman of ASUU, UNIBEN Chapter, Prof. Enaruna Edosa, said union members fully adhered to the directive.

“We held a congress today and directed all members to comply with the national order. The strike is for two weeks, and compliance has been 100 percent. None of our members participated in the ongoing examinations,” he stated.

Earlier, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of UNIBEN announced the suspension of all examinations through an official circular signed by its Director of Information, Ahonsi Godwin.

The statement urged students to remain calm and await further directives through official communication channels.

“This is to officially inform all students that, following recent developments, ASUU-UNIBEN has activated a two-week warning strike. Consequently, all ongoing and scheduled examinations across faculties have been suspended until further notice,” the statement read in part.

Meanwhile, the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) chapter of ASUU in Ekpoma has also joined the nationwide strike.

Dr. Cyril Onogbosele, Chairman of ASUU-AAU, confirmed full compliance, saying members had resolved to align with the national directive.

“AAU fully complied with the strike. It is a national action, and all branches are required to participate. We held our congress today and resolved to abide by the resolution of ASUU national,” Onogbosele said.

The two-week warning strike is expected to disrupt academic activities across public universities nationwide as ASUU seeks to compel government action on lecturers’ welfare, university funding, and improved learning conditions.