UNICROSS Strike: Lecturers Down Tools Again Over Sept, Oct Salaries

Academic activities at the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, were  on Monday disrupted again following the resumption of strike by lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

The UNICROSS branch of ASUU said the action was over the non-implementation of key aspects of the renegotiated 2025 agreement between the federal government and ASUU, particularly outstanding welfare demands and unpaid salaries.

The decision to resume the strike was taken at an emergency congress held on Monday, which was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, and members of the university management.

The industrial action, which originally began on May 19, 2026 and was suspended on July 21, 2026, was restarted after the Cross River State Government allegedly failed to implement the financial components within the promised timeframe.

Addressing the congress, branch chairperman of ASUU Dr. Patrick Ushie, disclosed shortly before the suspension, the union’s leadership led by Calabar Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Ikechukwu Igwenyi, and the university management held a closed-door meeting with Governor Bassey Otu.

According to Dr. Ushie, Governor Otu at the meeting assured the delegation that his administration was going to  begin  implementation of financial aspects of the renegotiated 2025 agreement within 90 days.

He expressed concern that months after the assurance, staff have yet to receive their September and October 2026 salaries, a development that necessitated the emergency congress.

In her response, Prof. Bassey appealed to the academic staff to exercise patience, revealing that Governor Otu had approved the payment of salaries and that she had made concerted efforts to ensure disbursement.

The vice chancellor described the governor as “a man of honour and integrity who had done his part” and added that the Accountant General had assured her that October salaries would be paid before close of business on Monday. While members acknowledged her efforts, they insisted on resuming the strike, with a promise to reconvene to suspend it once payment is confirmed.