IMSU ASUU: We Won’t Grade Exams Written During Strike

Lecturers at Imo State University (IMSU) have vowed not to evaluate or grade the examination scripts of students who participate in examinations conducted during the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The chairperson of ASUU, IMSU branch, Stephen Oguji, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Owerri on Saturday.

Oguji warned students currently sitting for examinations that the union remained committed to ensuring that they do not graduate through an academic process whose integrity and credibility could later be questioned.

He said the union condemned and rejected the conduct of examinations at the university while the ASUU strike remained ongoing.

According to him, the lecturers responsible for teaching, assessing and grading the students are currently on strike. He stressed that the ongoing examinations were neither designed by the lecturers nor would they be graded or evaluated by them.

“We do not wish students to jeopardize their examinations. We do not want them to lose their academic session, most importantly, we do not want them to graduate through a process whose credibility may later be questioned,” he stated.

Oguji said the lecturers should not be regarded as adversaries of the students, arguing that those with the authority to address the issues that triggered the strike were responsible for resolving the crisis.

He urged students to support the union’s demand for the Imo State Government to implement the 2025 agreement between the federal government and ASUU, particularly provisions relating to university funding.

“Dear students, your true adversaries are not the lecturers. We are advocating for an educational system that functions effectively for you, for us and future generations.

“Therefore, instead of opposing your lecturers, join forces with us. Engage with those who possess the authority to resolve this crisis. Urge the government to implement the agreement and bring an end to the strike,” he added.

The IMSU ASUU chairperson maintained that lecturers were willing to return to the classrooms, saying they wanted examinations to be conducted properly and students to graduate with pride and legitimate qualifications.

He appealed to the relevant authorities to implement the agreement, which he said was aimed at improving the working conditions of university lecturers and strengthening the education system.