Kaduna State Government Disputes ASUU Strike Threats and Staff Attrition

The Government of Kaduna State is seeking to negotiate with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kaduna State University (KASU) chapter, to avert an indefinite strike. The union issued a two-week ultimatum demanding the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement and the payment of outstanding allowances and benefits.

During a press briefing on August 19, 2026, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor Bello Ayuba urged the union to reconsider its position. He disputed ASUU's claim that over 200 professors and staff had left KASU due to poor conditions, stating that official records show only 59 academic staff departed between January 2024 and August 2026. This figure was supported by KASU Vice-Chancellor Abdullahi Musa, who stated the number of resignations was barely 50.

The dispute has evolved into a political conflict involving African Democratic Congress governorship candidate Isa Ashiru, who accused the administration of Governor Uba Sani of a lukewarm attitude toward education. In response, Commissioner Ahmed Maiyaki defended the state's record, citing a 2026 education budget allocation of approximately N246.5 billion, representing 25% of the total budget. The government further noted it has spent over N896 million on staff welfare and settled more than N1 billion in personnel liabilities to support KASU staff and accreditation.