The Calabar Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a strong warning of a looming “total, comprehensive and indefinite” strike across state-owned universities in the region, citing the non-implementation of agreements, unpaid allowances, and worsening staff welfare conditions.
The zone, which covers public universities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, and Cross River states, said it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony in affected institutions, including Abia State University (ABSU), Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), and the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
This position was contained in a communiqué released after a zonal meeting held in Calabar on Tuesday. The statement was jointly signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Ikechuku Igwenyi, alongside chairpersons of ASUU branches within the component states.
According to the union, most of the affected universities have failed to implement key provisions of the 2009 agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government, with only partial compliance recorded at UNICROSS.
“The Calabar Zonal leadership of ASUU today, sadly, alerts all well-meaning Nigerians that it cannot guarantee industrial harmony and, therefore, should not be held responsible when the internal mechanisms collapse,” the statement read.
The union warned that continued neglect by university administrations and relevant government authorities could push the institutions to the brink of a prolonged industrial crisis.
ASUU identified several unresolved issues fueling the discontent, including the non-payment of earned academic allowances, failure to implement the 25/35 percent wage award, lack of consequential adjustment to the new minimum wage, and non-compliance with recently signed agreements on consolidated academic tools and professorial allowances.
The union also expressed concern over persistent delays in salary payments, which it said have subjected members to severe financial hardship and adversely affected productivity.
In addition, ASUU accused some university administrations of withholding third-party deductions such as check-off dues, cooperative savings, pension contributions, and union welfare dues.
Citing UNICROSS as an example, the union alleged that 24 months’ worth of union dues, welfare contributions, Special Support Levy, and National Housing Fund deductions dating back to 2018 had been withheld by the institution’s management.
ASUU further lamented the impact of rising inflation, noting that many university workers have been pushed into financial distress, struggling to meet basic obligations such as rent, healthcare, and education for their children.
“We can no longer be expected to maintain industrial peace while our members cannot afford the basic costs and needs of living. This is not merely a dispute over figures; it is a fight for the survival of the university system,” the union stated.
The body called on both federal and state governments to urgently address the issues to avert a crisis. It also urged traditional rulers, parents, students, and the general public to hold the affected state governments accountable should the strike materialize.
Comments