Nigerian university lecturers begin indefinite strike over welfare, agreement implementation

Lecturers at Imo State University (IMSU) in Owerri have commenced an indefinite strike, citing the university management's and Imo State Government's failure to implement a crucial agreement. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) announced the industrial action on Monday, stating that prolonged engagements with the administration yielded no progress.

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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 strike follows the expiration of the union's 21-day ultimatum, which also went unanswered. ASUU highlighted that the agreement, signed with the federal government on December 23, 2025, and slated to take effect January 1, 2026, remains unimplemented. "ASUU-IMSU has therefore today, August 10, 2026, embarked on a total and indefinite strike and vows never to return to work until the agreement is fully implemented," the union stated, warning that delays only increase industrial tension.

Lecturers are demanding the resolution of several outstanding financial and welfare issues. These include non-payment of promotion arrears since 2016, several months of unpaid salaries for some members, 21 months of withheld check-off dues, and the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009. The union also criticized the continued use of the Treasury Single Account, arguing it undermines university autonomy.

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Continued delay serves no useful purpose and only heightens industrial tension.

ASUU-IMSU noted that similar agreements are being implemented in state-owned universities in Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, and Sokoto. The union urged the Imo State Government to expedite implementation at IMSU and appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, parents, and student unions to pressure Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene. The union affirmed its commitment to dialogue but stressed that neglect of welfare obligations, despite lecturers' dedication, is deeply disappointing.

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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 the government remain neglected.