The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, has announced a total and indefinite strike.
ASUU made the announcement on Monday during a press conference at the university in Owerri, according to Daily Post.
The Chairman of ASUU at IMSU, Stephen Oguji, and the Secretary, Lazarus Chikwendu, said the strike was necessary after several meetings with the university management failed to yield results.
They also mentioned that the strike was in response to the union’s 21-day ultimatum, which expired without any meaningful action.
The union pointed out that the strike followed the failure of the Imo State Government and the university management to fulfill an agreement on better welfare and working conditions for academic staff.
This agreement, signed by ASUU and the federal government on December 23, 2025, was supposed to take effect from January 1, 2026.
“ASUU-IMSU has therefore today, August 10, 2026, gone on a total and indefinite strike and vows never to return to work until the agreement is fully implemented,” the union stated.
“Continued delay serves no useful purpose and only heightens industrial tension.”
Financial and welfare issues
ASUU members also highlighted concerns over several outstanding financial and welfare issues.
The lecturers mentioned that these issues include unpaid promotion arrears dating back to 2016, unpaid salaries for some members over several months, 21 months of withheld check-off dues, and the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009.
The union criticized the continued use of the Treasury Single Account for the university, calling it “a complete erosion of university autonomy.”
According to the union, these problems have been ongoing, leading to industrial action in 2024, which was halted after an appeal and promises from the university management.
The union expressed that its members continued to perform their duties despite what they called neglect of their welfare rights.
“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 the government remain neglected,” it said.
ASUU-IMSU also noted that the agreement is being implemented in some state-owned universities, including those in Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, and Sokoto states.
The union called on the Imo State Government to urgently implement the agreement at IMSU.
It also urged traditional and religious institutions, civil society groups, parents, student unions, and other stakeholders to convince Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to step in.
“We wish to state clearly that ASUU-IMSU remains committed to dialogue, consultation, and constructive engagement as the preferred ways to resolve industrial disputes.
“However, our commitment to peaceful resolution should not be seen as acceptance of the ongoing denial of the legitimate welfare rights of our members,” the union stated.
Imo government silent
The Commissioner for Education in Imo State, Bernard Ikegwuoha, a professor, did not respond to calls and messages from PREMIUM TIMES seeking his comment on the allegations that the state government failed to honor agreements with the union.
The Commissioner for Information in the state, Declan Emelumba, also did not respond immediately to a call for comments.
Mr Emelumba later sent a text, promising to call back, but had not done so by the time of this report.
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