The Calabar Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a strong warning over a possible “total, comprehensive and indefinite” strike in state-owned universities, citing unresolved welfare issues, unpaid allowances, and the continued failure to implement agreements with the government.
The zone, which covers academic staff in public universities across Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, and Cross River states, said the situation has reached a critical point, making it increasingly difficult to guarantee industrial harmony within the affected institutions.
In a statement released after a zonal meeting in Calabar, signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Ikechuku Igwenyi, alongside branch chairpersons, the union expressed deep concern over what it described as prolonged neglect of staff welfare.
According to the statement, universities within the zone — including Abia State University, Akwa Ibom State University, Ebonyi State University, and the University of Cross River State — have largely failed to implement the provisions of the 2009 agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government, with only partial compliance recorded at the University of Cross River State.
The union warned that the continued breach of agreements and poor treatment of academic staff could push the institutions to the brink of a full-scale industrial action.
Among the grievances listed were the non-payment of earned academic allowances, failure to implement the 25/35 per cent wage award, delays in adjusting salaries in line with the new minimum wage, and the non-implementation of recently agreed allowances, including consolidated academic tools and professorial entitlements.
ASUU also decried persistent salary delays, noting that such practices have placed severe financial strain on members and negatively impacted productivity within the university system.
The statement further accused some university administrations of withholding third-party deductions, including union dues, cooperative contributions, pension remittances, and welfare funds.
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It cited the University of Cross River State as an example, alleging that several deductions spanning years have not been remitted appropriately.
The union lamented the worsening economic realities facing its members, stating that rising inflation has significantly eroded their purchasing power, leaving many unable to meet basic living expenses such as rent, healthcare, and education for their children.
Describing the situation as a struggle for the survival of the university system, the union stressed that it could no longer sustain industrial peace under current conditions.
ASUU called on both federal and state governments to urgently intervene and address the issues raised to prevent a breakdown of academic activities.
It also urged stakeholders, including traditional rulers, parents, and students, to hold relevant authorities accountable should the situation escalate into a strike.