The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Imo State University, Owerri branch, has declared a total and indefinite strike over alleged failure by the Imo State Government and the university management to implement an agreement on improved welfare and conditions of service for academic staff.
The union announced the industrial action on Monday, August 10, 2026, during a press conference held at the university in Owerri.
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 reached between ASUU and the Federal Government on December 23, 2025, 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 listed several outstanding financial and welfare issues, including 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 dating back to 2009.
The union further criticised the continued inclusion of the 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, noting that similar concerns had led to industrial action in 2024 before the strike was suspended following appeals and assurances from the university management.
The union said its members had continued to perform their duties 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 also 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 leaders, civil society organisations, parents, student unions and other stakeholders to intervene and prevail on the Visitor to the university to address the issues.
While declaring the strike, ASUU-IMSU said it remained committed to dialogue and constructive engagement as the preferred means of resolving industrial disputes.
However, it warned that its willingness to pursue peaceful negotiations should not be interpreted as acceptance of what it described as the continued denial of the legitimate welfare rights of its members.
