ASUU Shuts Down Imo Varsity Over Unimplemented 2025 Agreement

Academic activities in Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, has been grounded following the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) declaration of total and indefinite strike.

The union announced the industrial action during a press conference at the university, citing the failure of the Imo State government and IMSU management to implement the 2025 agreement between ASUU and the federal government.

The agreement, signed on December 23, 2025, was expected to take effect from January 1, 2026. It contained provisions aimed at improving the welfare and conditions of service of academic staff.

ASUU-IMSU said several engagements with the management, including a formal presentation of the agreement and a 21-day ultimatum, had failed to produce a meaningful response.

The union’s chairman, Stephen Oguji and secretary, Lazarus Chikwendu, said the situation was particularly frustrating because implementation had reportedly begun in some state-owned universities in Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto States.

Oguji also listed unpaid promotion arrears, dating back to 2016, delayed salaries for some academic staff, 21 months of withheld check-off dues, and non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) since 2009 as some of the contentious issues.

ASUU -IMSU, however, expressed regret over the continued retention of the university, under the Treasury Single Account, which it said undermines the university’s autonomy.

ASUU-IMSU said similar concerns had contributed to its 2024 strike, which was suspended after appeals and assurances from the university management that the issues would be addressed.

The union said the continued delays had now left it with little choice but to resume industrial action.

The branch vowed not to return to work until the 2025 ASUU-Federal Government agreement is fully implemented at IMSU.

The association called on the Imo State Government to intervene urgently, warning that further delays would increase industrial tension and worsen the disruption to the university community.

The union also appealed to traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents, student unions and other education stakeholders to pressure the relevant authorities to resolve the dispute.

While stressing that it remains open to dialogue and peaceful negotiations, ASUU-IMSU said this should not be interpreted as acceptance of what it described as continued denial of its members’ welfare, rights and privileges.