ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike at Imo State University

On August 10, 2026, the Imo State University branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) announced a total and indefinite strike. This decision was made during a press conference in Owerri, led by branch Chairman Stephen Oguji and Secretary Lazarus Chikwendu.

The strike was prompted by the Imo State Government and university management's failure to implement an agreement regarding improved welfare and conditions of service for academic staff, which was signed on December 23, 2025, and set to take effect from January 1, 2026. The union had previously issued a 21-day ultimatum that expired without a meaningful response.

Key issues include unpaid promotion arrears dating back to 2016, unpaid salaries for several months, and the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009. The union criticized the retention of the university under the Treasury Single Account, claiming it undermines university autonomy.

ASUU-IMSU called for urgent action from the Imo State Government and appealed to various stakeholders for intervention.