BREAKING : ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike at Imo State University

The Imo State University (IMSU) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced a total and indefinite strike, citing the alleged failure of the Imo State Government and university management to implement the 2025 agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government.

The union announced the decision on Monday, August 10, 2026, during a press briefing held at the university in Owerri.

The IMSU ASUU Chairman, Stephen Oguji, and Secretary, Lazarus Chikwendu, said the agreement was signed on December 23, 2025, and was expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.

The agreement was designed to address the welfare and conditions of service of academic staff in public universities.

According to the union, repeated meetings with university management, formal presentation of the agreement and a 21-day ultimatum failed to produce any significant action.

ASUU-IMSU also expressed concern that some state-owned universities in Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto had reportedly begun implementing the agreement, while similar action had not been taken at IMSU.

The lecturers listed several unresolved welfare issues, including outstanding promotion arrears dating back to 2016, unpaid salaries owed to some members, 21 months of withheld check-off dues and the alleged non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009.

The union also faulted the continued inclusion of IMSU in the Treasury Single Account system, arguing that it undermines the institution’s financial autonomy.

ASUU-IMSU said similar grievances contributed to its 2024 industrial action, which was suspended following appeals and assurances that the issues would be addressed.

However, the union maintained that the lack of progress on the matters had compelled it to resume industrial action indefinitely.

The union urged the Imo State Government to intervene immediately and ensure the implementation of the 2025 ASUU-Federal Government agreement at IMSU.

It also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, parents, students and other stakeholders to pressure the relevant authorities to resolve the dispute.

Despite the strike, ASUU-IMSU said it remained open to dialogue and constructive engagement but insisted that continued negotiations should not be used to justify delays in addressing the welfare concerns of its members.

The union stated that the industrial action would continue until the 2025 agreement is fully implemented.