By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Academic Staff Union of Universities Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri branch has embarked an indefinite strike over non-implementation of the 2025 ASUU-FG agreement.

The Union recall that ASUU and FG on 23rd December, 2025 signed an agreement for enhanced welfare of Academic staff and for other conditions of service in public universities scheduled to take effect from 1st January, 2026.

It stated that on this, ASUU addressed the media on May 11th, 2026 after Yola National Executive council (NEC), at the Zonal level, approximately six weeks ago, ASUU Owerri Zone addressed the media calling on Imo State government to implement the Agreement in IMSU.

But unfortunately, nearly eight months down the line nothing has changed in Imo State University.

Expressing dismay that while implementation has commenced in some state-owned universities including those owned by Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto states, it is saddening that such has not happened in IMSU despite repeated engagements with the university administration.

According to the union, following the directive of the National Executive Council (NEC), has formally presented the Agreement to the University Administration, severally interacted with management, issued a 21-day ultimatum, yet nothing meaningful was done to that effect.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday signed by Stephen Oguji, Chairman and Lazarus Chikwendu Secretary and made available to Journalists in Owerri.

It noted that its 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.

“This situation is unacceptable to ASUU-IMSU. With pains too, ASUU-IMSU regrets the continuous retention of IMSU in the Treasury Single Account, a complete erosion of university autonomy, non-payment of promotion arrears since 2016, non-payment of salaries of many of our members for several months, withholding of 21 months of check-off dues of the union, non-payment of EAA since 2009 among many others.

Recalling that it is for the reasons that the union went on strike in 2024, which was suspended following a strong appeal and promise by management to look into those issues then.

“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 called on the Government of Imo State as a matter of urgency to direct the immediate implementation of the 2025 ASUU-FGN Agreement in Imo State University.

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

ASUU-IMSU also called on well-meaning citizens of Nigeria and Imo State in particular, especially the traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, parents, student unions as well as critical stakeholders in the education system to prevail on the Visitor to Imo State University to commence the implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

“We wish to state unequivocally that ASUU-IMSU remains committed to dialogue, consultation, and constructive engagement as the preferred mechanisms for resolving industrial disputes. However, our commitment to peaceful resolution should not be misconstrued as acquiescence to the continued denial of the legitimate welfare rights of our members.

“The Union cannot continue to watch while our members are subjected to poor welfare conditions. We sincerely hope that good sense will prevail and that the relevant authorities will act expeditiously.

“We appreciate members of the press for your continued commitment to informing the public on the state of ASUU struggles.”