The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Imo State University chapter, has commenced an indefinite strike starting Friday, September 20, in protest over a series of unresolved grievances that have persisted for years.
According to The PUNCH, the chapter’s Chairperson, Comrade Odinakachukwu Ejiogu, and Secretary, Comrade Lazarus Chikwendu, ASUU-IMSU declared that the strike was “total and comprehensive.”
They stated, “We are embarking on an indefinite strike effective today, due to several unresolved issues that have been lingering since 2016.”
The union outlined several key demands, including an end to promotions without financial benefits, salary disparities between IMSU staff and those of other tertiary institutions, delayed staff assessments and promotions, selective salary payments, and unpaid salary arrears.
Other concerns highlighted by ASUU-IMSU included the non-payment of earned academic allowances dating back to 2009, failure to remit union check-off dues from 2020 to 2021, non-remittance of pension deductions since May 2016, non-payment of annual salary increments, the need for IMSU’s inclusion in the Treasury Single Account , and concerns over the funding and autonomy of the university.
“We have taken several steps through letters, rallies, meetings, and press releases, yet no tangible action has been taken by the university administration, governing council, or the visitor to the university,” the union leaders emphasized.
ASUU-IMSU explained that despite issuing a 21-day notice on July 18 for the university to address their grievances, no resolution was reached, prompting the strike action.
Ejiogu called for public understanding, stating, “We stand for justice, improved conditions, and a brighter future for the university.”
