The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said the implementation of the new salary structure for university lecturers is being delayed by the yet-to-be-passed 2026 national budget.

ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, disclosed this in an interview, noting that although the Federal Government has shown willingness to honour the agreement reached with the union, practical challenges are slowing down full execution.

According to him, the new salary regime can only take effect after the 2026 budget is approved and signed into law.

“The intention of government is clear—to implement the agreement in full—but the 2026 budget has not been passed. Until that happens, full implementation cannot commence,” he said.

Piwuna explained that payments made in January and February were largely driven by individual university managements, leading to inconsistencies across institutions. While some universities were able to pay salaries in line with the new structure, others fell short, and many are yet to pay February salaries.

He also identified unresolved issues contributing to the delay, including special allowances for medical lecturers and payments for those on sabbatical.

“There are still grey areas, particularly regarding medical allowances. Some universities have complied, while others are yet to do so,” he added.

The ASUU president further raised concerns over state-owned universities, noting that they have not begun implementing the new agreement. He said the union has written to state governors, urging them to act quickly to prevent a build-up of arrears that could trigger fresh disputes.

On withheld salaries, Piwuna maintained that lecturers would not forfeit their entitlements under any circumstances.

“No one forgoes salary in Nigeria, and ASUU will not be the first,” he said.

He, however, appealed for patience among members, expressing optimism that the situation would improve once the 2026 budget is enacted. Piwuna also warned that lingering issues, if not addressed promptly, could threaten stability in the university system.