Academic activities at Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, have been brought to a halt following the commencement of an indefinite strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over unresolved welfare and financial issues.
The union announced the industrial action on Monday, accusing the Imo State Government and the university management of failing to implement an agreement aimed at improving the welfare and conditions of service of academic staff.
Speaking during a press briefing in Owerri, ASUU-IMSU Chairman, Stephen Oguji, and Secretary, Lazarus Chikwendu, said the decision followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the authorities without any positive 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, but has yet to be implemented at the institution.
ASUU said the strike would continue until all outstanding issues are addressed, noting that prolonged delays have worsened industrial relations within the university.
The lecturers listed several unresolved grievances, including promotion arrears dating back to 2016, unpaid salaries owed to some members, 21 months of withheld check-off dues and the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009.
The union also criticised the continued inclusion of the university under the Treasury Single Account (TSA), describing the arrangement as a violation of university autonomy.
ASUU recalled that similar concerns triggered an industrial action in 2024, which was suspended after assurances from the university management. It expressed disappointment that despite continued commitment to teaching and research, welfare obligations to staff had remained unfulfilled.
The union noted that the welfare agreement is already being implemented in several state-owned universities across Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto states and urged the Imo State Government to follow suit.
ASUU further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, parents and student bodies to intervene and encourage the authorities to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
The strike is expected to significantly disrupt academic activities and increase pressure on the state government to address the lecturers’ demands.
