The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Imo State University, Owerri branch, has commenced a total and indefinite strike over the alleged 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 industrial action on Monday, August 10, 2026, at a press conference held at the university in Owerri, according to Daily Post.
The branch Chairman, Stephen Oguji, and Secretary, Lazarus Chikwendu, said the decision followed several engagements with the university management and the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued by the union without any meaningful response.
According to the lecturers, the agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government was signed on December 23, 2025, with implementation scheduled to commence on 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.
The union warned that further delays could worsen the already strained relationship between the academic staff and the authorities.
“Continued delay serves no useful purpose and only heightens industrial tension.”
Beyond the implementation of the agreement, ASUU-IMSU listed several outstanding financial and welfare concerns affecting its members.
These include promotion arrears dating back to 2016, unpaid salaries owed to some lecturers for several months, 21 months of withheld check-off dues and the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009.
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The union also criticised the continued placement of the university under the Treasury Single Account, describing the arrangement as “a complete erosion of university autonomy.”
ASUU-IMSU said the grievances had persisted for years, noting that similar issues triggered industrial action in 2024. The strike was later suspended following an appeal and assurances from the university management.
The lecturers said they had nevertheless remained committed to their duties despite what they described as the failure of the authorities to meet 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.
The union further argued that the implementation of the agreement was not impossible, pointing to its adoption in some state-owned universities across the country, including institutions in Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto states.
It consequently urged the Imo State Government to immediately instruct the university management to implement the agreement at IMSU.
The lecturers also appealed to traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents, student unions and other stakeholders to intervene by urging the Visitor to the university to address the dispute.
ASUU-IMSU, however, maintained that it remained open to resolving the crisis through dialogue and other peaceful means.
“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.