The Bayelsa State Government met with the Academic Staff Union of Universities on Thursday, 30th April 2026, to review the union’s demands, including the newly approved Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance.
Deputy Governor Dr Peter Akpe, who hosted ASUU leaders from Niger Delta University (NDU) and Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), said the state would assess the financial implications before taking a decision.
Akpe said the administration of Governor Douye Diri remained committed to staff welfare and educational development.
However, he asserted that the state was not obliged to implement every agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government.
“We will continue to collaborate with state chapter unions to ensure an uninterrupted academic calendar,” he said.
He urged the NDU chapter of ASUU to suspend its planned industrial action, adding that dialogue remained the government’s preferred approach.
During the meeting, ASUU listed its requests including promotion arrears, staff accommodation, recruitment of academic staff, and outstanding wage arrears.
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The union also requested implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance arising from the 2025 ASUU/Federal Government agreement.
Akpe further directed the Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, to assess the abandoned 48-unit housing project at the NDU campus and report back.
He asked ASUU to provide details of the new allowance and its financial implications.
“On the issue of the allowance, I want you to work out the details and let us know what it will amount to.
“It is our financial position that has the final say. We will not accept what we cannot pay,” he said.
He added that the state had implemented parts of a previous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ASUU in 2025, but acknowledged that other issues remained outstanding.
ASUU NDU Chairman, Comrade Oyinkepreye Bebeteidor, said the notice of industrial action followed the non-implementation of key components of the MoU, including promotion arrears, accommodation, staff recruitment, and 19 months of wage arrears.
Also present at the meeting were ASUU Bayelsa Medical University Chairperson Dr Sylva Ligeinaziba, Prof Stanley Ogoun, Prof Gift Eke, Dr Tammy Johnbull, and Dr Emmanuel Atagboro.