ASUU UNIJOS Indefinite Strike April 2026: Will Final Year Project Defense Hold?

ASUU UNIJOS Indefinite Strike April 2026: Will Final Year Project Defense Hold?

For many final year students at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), the news of an “indefinite strike” in April 2026 was enough to cause panic. After years of hard work, the last thing any student wants is for a strike to stop them just as they are about to defend their projects and graduate.

If you are a student wondering if your academic journey has been put on hold, here is the latest update on the situation and what it means for your project defense.

The Situation: What Happened in April 2026?

On April 8, 2026, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIJOS branch, officially declared an indefinite strike. The union, led by Prof. Jurbe Molwus, directed all lecturers to stop work. This included teaching, conducting exams, and holding meetings.

The reason for the strike was simple: lecturers had not been paid their March 2026 salaries. There was also a disagreement regarding “Earned Academic Allowances” (EAA) which the lecturers said was missing from their pay.

For a few days, the campus was quiet, and many final year students feared that their project defenses—which are part of “statutory meetings”—would be cancelled indefinitely.

The Good News: Is the Strike Still On?

There is relief for the “Josite” community. The strike has been suspended.

Just two days after the strike began, on April 10, 2026, the union leadership confirmed that the government had finally started paying the March salaries. Once the lecturers started seeing “credit alerts” on their phones, the union met and decided to call off the action.

Prof. Molwus issued a statement asking all lecturers to return to their duties immediately. This means that as of today, academic activities at UNIJOS are back to normal.

Will Final Year Project Defenses Hold?

The short answer is YES.

Since the strike has been suspended and lecturers have been told to resume “statutory meetings” and “conduct of exams,” project defenses can now proceed. Here is what you need to do:

1. Check with your Department: While the strike is over, each department might have shifted its defense schedule. Go to your departmental notice board to see if there is a new date for your defense.
2. Contact your Supervisor: Your supervisor is now legally allowed to attend your defense and sign your papers. It is a good idea to send them a polite message or visit their office to confirm that they are ready for you.
3. Prepare your Final Draft: Use this time to polish your work. Since the “scare” of the strike is gone, you should focus entirely on being ready for the panel.

Is There a Risk of Another Strike Soon?

While the current strike is over, it is important to stay informed. The union mentioned that they only suspended the strike because the March salary was paid. However, they are still unhappy about the missing “Earned Academic Allowances” (EAA).

The union leaders warned that if the government does not fix these payment issues permanently, they might “withdraw their services” again at the end of April or in May.

For final year students, this means time is of the essence. If your department schedules your defense for next week, do not delay. It is better to finish your defense and submit your final bound copies while the lecturers are currently at work.

Summary for Final Year Students

• Strike Status: Suspended (as of April 10, 2026).
• Lecturers: Back on campus and ready to work.
• Project Defense: It is holding. Contact your department for your specific date.
• Action Plan: Get your defense done as quickly as possible before any new issues arise between the union and the government.

The “Under-16” and “Age limit” rules we discussed earlier do not affect you if you are already in your final year. Your main goal now is to defend your project, clear your results, and prepare for your National Youth Service (NYSC).

Stay focused, keep checking official university channels, and good luck with your defense!