The Imo State University chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially launched an open-ended strike. This decision stems from the institution’s failure to pay staff salaries, settle promotion arrears, and address various other financial obligations owed to its members. The union began this complete shutdown on Monday, August 10, 2026, stating that the action will continue until all their demands are satisfied.
In an official announcement, branch leaders Stephen Oguji and Lazarus Chikwendu highlighted that the Federal Government and the union had reached a welfare agreement on December 23, 2025. While other states like Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, and Sokoto have begun adopting these terms, the Imo State Government has reportedly ignored the deal despite multiple warnings and discussions. The union expressed frustration, noting that prior efforts to engage management after a 21-day ultimatum were met with inaction.
Beyond basic salary concerns, the union cited outstanding promotion arrears from 2016 and the withholding of 21 months of membership dues. They also pointed to the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009 and concerns regarding university autonomy due to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy. Although the union remains open to peaceful resolution, they have vowed to stay off the job until their rights are fully acknowledged by the administration.
