JUST IN: ASUU declares indefinite strike at Imo State University
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Imo State University (IMSU) branch, has declared a total and indefinite strike over the alleged failure of the Imo State Government and the university management to implement the 2025 agreement reached between the union and the Federal Government.
The union announced the industrial action on Monday during a press conference held at the university in Owerri. The branch chairman, Stephen Oguji, and secretary, Lazarus Chikwendu, said the decision followed several unsuccessful engagements with the university management.
According to the union, the agreement signed by ASUU and the Federal Government on December 23, 2025, was scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, and covers improved welfare and other conditions of service for academic staff in public universities.
ASUU said it had presented the agreement to the university management several times and issued a 21-day ultimatum, but received no meaningful response. It added that similar agreements had been implemented in some state-owned universities in Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto states.
The union also listed other grievances, including the alleged non-payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2016, outstanding salaries owed to some lecturers, 21 months of withheld check-off dues and non-payment of earned academic allowances since 2009.
“The union cannot continue to watch while our members are subjected to poor welfare conditions. ASUU-IMSU has therefore embarked on a total and indefinite strike and vows never to return to work until the agreement is fully implemented,” the union said.
ASUU revealed that some of the grievances had previously led to its 2024 strike, which was suspended following assurances from the university management that the issues would be addressed. It called on the Imo State Government to urgently implement the 2025 agreement.
The union also appealed to traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents, student unions and other stakeholders to intervene, while stressing that it remained open to dialogue and constructive engagement to resolve the dispute.
