The Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU, has shut the Owerri branch of the Imo State University over alleged failure by the government to pay up unpaid entitlements to staff of the institution, and other let down of welfarism.
ASUU declared a total and indefinite strike over what it described as failure of the Imo State government to implement the agreement on improved welfare conditions of the academic staff of the institution.
The Academic board announced that the action is sequel to several engagements with the government, adding that it held the development alongside the school management following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued by the union without any meaningful response.
The lecturers expressed disgruntlement on cases on non-payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2026, unpaid salaries owed to some members for several months, 21 months of withheld check-off duties and the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009.
The Branch on Monday, stated that the agreement on the improvements of welfare at the institution was signed by ASUU and the federal government on December 23, 2025 and scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026. He added, ”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.
”Continued delay serves no useful purpose and only heightens industrial tension.”
The Branch Chairman, Stephen Oguji, faulted the continued retention of the University’s under the Treasury Single Account, describing it as a complete erosion of university autonomy.
Ogbuji reminisced similar incident in 2024 which led to an industrial action before the strike was suspended following an appeal that the anomalies would be taken out, adding that the members continued to work despite the neglect of the conditions.
It called on the government of Imo State to urgently direct the implementation of the agreement. It also appealed to the traditional institutions, religious bodies, to mention few, to prevail on the visitor to the university to intervene.