The Calabar Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has warned of a looming “total, comprehensive and indefinite” strike across state-owned universities, citing prolonged neglect of staff welfare and failure to implement key agreements.
In a statement issued after its zonal meeting in Calabar, the union said it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony in affected institutions, raising concerns over a potential disruption of academic activities.
The zone, which covers universities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, and Cross River States, noted that institutions such as Abia State University, Akwa Ibom State University, Ebonyi State University, and University of Cross River State have largely failed to implement the 2009 Federal Government agreement with ASUU.
The statement, signed by Zonal Coordinator Ikechuku Igwenyi and other branch leaders, described the situation as increasingly untenable despite years of patience by lecturers.
ASUU listed key grievances to include the non-payment of earned academic allowances, non-implementation of the 25/35 per cent wage award, delays in salary adjustments tied to the new minimum wage, and failure to implement recently agreed academic and professorial allowances.
The union also decried persistent delays in salary payments, noting that the situation has imposed severe financial hardship on members and affected productivity.
It further accused some university administrations of withholding third-party deductions such as union dues, cooperative savings, pension contributions, and housing fund remittances.
According to the union, rising inflation has worsened the condition of lecturers, leaving many struggling to meet basic living costs.
“We can no longer be expected to maintain industrial peace while our members cannot afford the basic costs of living,” the statement noted, warning that continued inaction could push the universities into an indefinite shutdown.
The union called on federal and state governments to intervene urgently to avert a crisis, urging stakeholders—including parents, students, and traditional leaders to hold authorities accountable if the situation escalates.
Credit: ThePunch
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