Trending 
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Imo State University, Owerri branch, has declared a total and indefinite strike over unpaid entitlements and the alleged failure of the Imo State Government and university management to implement an agreement on improved welfare and conditions of service.
The union announced the strike on Monday during a press conference at the university in Owerri, according to Daily Post.
The branch Chairman, Stephen Oguji, and Secretary, Lazarus Chikwendu, said the decision followed several engagements with the university management and the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued by the union.
The union said the agreement, signed by ASUU and the Nigerian Government on December 23, 2025, was expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.
ASUU-IMSU said it had consequently commenced the strike and would not return to work until the agreement was fully implemented, warning that further delays would worsen industrial tension.
The lecturers also listed several outstanding financial and welfare issues, including promotion arrears dating back to 2016, unpaid salaries owed to some members for several months, 21 months of withheld check-off dues and the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009.
The union also criticised the continued inclusion of the university under the Treasury Single Account, saying the arrangement undermined the institution’s autonomy.
According to the lecturers, the grievances were longstanding, noting that similar concerns led to industrial action in 2024 before the strike was suspended following an appeal and assurances from the university management.
The union said its members had continued to perform their duties despite what it described as the failure to meet welfare obligations.
“It is deeply disappointing that while our members have continued to discharge their duties with dedication and professionalism, the welfare commitments freely entered into by Government remain neglected,” it said.
ASUU-IMSU further claimed that the agreement was already being implemented in some state-owned universities in Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto states.
It therefore called on the Imo State Government to urgently direct the implementation of the agreement at IMSU.
The union also appealed to traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents, student unions and other stakeholders to prevail on the university’s Visitor to intervene.
ASUU-IMSU said it remained open to dialogue and constructive engagement as the preferred means of resolving the dispute, but warned that its willingness to negotiate should not be interpreted as acceptance of continued denial of its members’ welfare rights.
