The Academic Staff Union of Universities Nsukka Zone has issued a strong warning of an indefinite strike at Enugu State University of Science and Technology if the state government fails to implement the 2025 agreement by the end of July 2026
The Academic Staff Union of Universities Nsukka Zone has issued a fresh ultimatum to the Enugu State Government, threatening an indefinite strike at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology if implementation of the 2025 ASUU/Federal Government agreement does not begin before the end of July 2026.
The union made the declaration on Tuesday during a press conference in Enugu, where it expressed deep frustration over the delay, six months after the agreement was officially unveiled and implementation commenced in other universities across the country.
ASUU Nsukka Zone, which covers eight universities including the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Benue State University and ESUT, noted that ESUT remains the only institution in the zone yet to commence the agreement.
Zonal Coordinator Christian Opata described the situation as deeply concerning and a source of growing tension within the university community.
“The logic of paucity of funds will not fly this time around,” Opata said, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee showing that Enugu State received N445.67 billion in federal allocations between January and March 2026.
The union rejected any excuses for the delay, highlighting that the agreement was concluded in 2025 and transmitted to institutions and state governments via the National Universities Commission on 14 January 2026.
It also pointed to Enugu’s history of incomplete implementation of previous agreements, including aspects of the 2009 deal such as Earned Academic Allowances.
ASUU expressed worry that the continued low funding and disregard for agreements were damaging ESUT’s reputation and ability to attract quality academics.
“How many strong academics would like to associate with a university that pays least in the entire nation?” Opata asked.
While acknowledging that the state government set up a committee in June to address the matter, the union criticised the move as belated and lacking concrete follow-through.
It called on Governor Peter Mbah, the university’s governing council, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to intervene urgently to prevent disruption of academic activities.
The lecturers warned that failure to commence implementation, including payment of arrears from January 2026, by the end of July would leave them with no choice but to embark on a comprehensive and total strike.
The development adds to growing concerns about industrial harmony in some state-owned universities, particularly in the South East, where compliance with national agreements has been uneven.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
