Academic activities at Abia State University (ABSU) may be disrupted following the declaration of a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike by the university’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The union announced the industrial action on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council over outstanding welfare demands.
In a notice of industrial action signed by the branch Chairperson, Dr Chidi S. Mba, and Secretary, Dr Victor U. Obisike, ASUU-ABSU said it had exhausted several avenues of dialogue and negotiation with the university management, governing council and government representatives without a satisfactory resolution.
The union said it had continued to engage the relevant authorities before and after issuing the ultimatum in an effort to resolve the issues affecting its members and the delivery of academic services.
At its congress held on August 11, the union reviewed its outstanding demands, which include the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement, irregular promotions and what it described as “notional promotions.”
Other grievances include the non-remittance of cooperative deductions and non-payment of outstanding Earned Academic Allowance dating back to 2009.
Following deliberations, the congress resolved that the strike should commence immediately and remain in effect until the outstanding welfare demands are satisfactorily addressed.
As part of the action, the union said there would be no lectures, Academic Board meetings, Senate meetings, convocation or other statutory meetings involving academic staff.
ASUU-ABSU expressed regret over the inconvenience the strike could cause the university but maintained that the action was necessary to draw attention to the welfare and conditions of service of its members.
The union, however, said it remained open to constructive engagement and meaningful intervention that could lead to a resolution of the outstanding issues.
The ASUU-ABSU Chairperson, Dr Chidi S. Mba, also acknowledged that some of the issues predated the administration of Governor Alex Otti, which assumed office in May 2023.
Mba argued that since government and governance are continuous, the present administration should inherit both the assets and liabilities of previous administrations.
Reacting to the development, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, confirmed receipt of the union’s notice.
Agwu acknowledged that some of the issues were inherited by the Governing Council and the present state administration, while noting that not all of the demands predated their tenure.
He said efforts were being made to address the matter.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over the possible impact of the strike on other activities at the university.
A non-academic staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern that the industrial action could affect the ongoing process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, whose positions had been advertised.
The strike comes amid reports of similar industrial actions or impending strikes by academic unions in other universities across the country.
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