The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Imo State University, Owerri branch, has declared a total and indefinite strike over what it described as the failure of 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 strike on Monday, August 10, 2026, during a press conference at the university in Owerri, according to Daily Post.
The branch Chairman, Stephen Oguji, and Secretary, Lazarus Chikwendu, said the action followed several engagements with the university management and the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued by the union without any meaningful response.
The union said the agreement, signed by ASUU and the Federal Government on December 23, 2025, was scheduled 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 said.
It added, “Continued delay serves no useful purpose and only heightens industrial tension.”
The lecturers also raised concerns over several outstanding financial and welfare issues, including the non-payment of 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 since 2009.
The union further faulted the continued retention of the university under the Treasury Single Account, describing the arrangement as “a complete erosion of university autonomy.”
According to the lecturers, the issues were not new, recalling that similar grievances led to industrial action in 2024 before the strike was suspended following an appeal and assurances from the university management.
The union said its members had continued to work despite what it described as the neglect of their welfare obligations.
“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,” it said.
ASUU-IMSU also said the agreement was already being implemented in some state-owned universities, including institutions in Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto states.
The union therefore called on the Imo State Government to urgently direct the implementation of the agreement at IMSU.
It also appealed to traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, parents, student unions and other stakeholders to prevail on the Visitor to the university to intervene.
“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 continued denial of the legitimate welfare rights of our members,” the union said.
