ASUU Begins Indefinite Strike, Demands Implementation of Welfare Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Imo State University, Owerri Branch, has declared a total and indefinite strike, citing the failure of the Imo State Government and the university management to implement agreements reached on improved welfare and conditions of service for academic staff.

The union made the declaration on Monday, August 10, 2026, during a press conference held at the university in Owerri, according to reports by Daily Post.

Speaking at the briefing, 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 without any meaningful response.

According to the union, the agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government was signed on December 23, 2025, and was expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.

“ASUU-IMSU has therefore today, 10th August, 2026, embarked on a total and indefinite strike and vows never to return to work until the agreement is fully implemented,” the union stated.

The lecturers also highlighted several outstanding financial and welfare issues, including the non-payment of 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 further criticised the continued retention of Imo State University under the Treasury Single Account (TSA), describing the arrangement as “a complete erosion of university autonomy.”

ASUU-IMSU said the grievances were not new, recalling that similar concerns had led to industrial action in 2024 before the strike was suspended following an appeal and assurances from the university management.

The union maintained that its members had continued to discharge their responsibilities despite what it described as prolonged neglect of their welfare.

“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,” the union said.

ASUU-IMSU further claimed that the agreement was already being implemented in some state-owned universities across Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto States, and called on the Imo State Government to urgently direct its implementation at Imo State University.

The union also appealed to traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, parents, student unions and other stakeholders to prevail on the Visitor to the university to intervene in the dispute.

Despite the declaration of the strike, ASUU-IMSU said it remained committed to resolving the matter through dialogue and constructive engagement.

“We wish to state unequivocally that ASUU-IMSU remains committed to dialogue, consultation and constructive engagement as the preferred mechanisms for resolving industrial disputes,” the union said.

It, however, warned that its willingness to pursue peaceful resolution should not be interpreted as acceptance of what it described as the continued denial of the legitimate welfare rights of its members.

Team Honorable Update will continue to monitor the development and provide further updates as they emerge.