The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Imo State University, Owerri branch, led by Chairman Stephen Oguji and Secretary Lazarus Chikwendu, commenced an indefinite strike in Owerri on Monday, August 10, 2026, accusing the Imo State Government and university management of failing to resolve longstanding welfare and conditions-of-service issues.

The ASUU IMSU strike followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued by the lecturers without what the union described as a meaningful response.

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The union said the decision was reached after several engagements with university management and was intended to press for implementation of the 2025 Federal Government and ASUU agreement, which was concluded on December 23, 2025, and scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.

“ASUU-IMSU has therefore today, 10th August, 2026, embarked on a total and indefinite strike and vows never to return to work until the agreement is fully implemented,” the union said.

Among the grievances are promotion arrears dating back to 2016, unpaid salaries for some academic staff, 21 months of withheld check-off dues and outstanding Earned Academic Allowance dating back to 2009.

The lecturers also objected to the continued placement of the university under the Treasury Single Account, arguing that the arrangement undermines the institution’s autonomy.

The latest dispute is not entirely new. ASUU-IMSU embarked on industrial action in September 2024 over several unresolved welfare matters, including promotion benefits dating from 2016, salary disparities, delayed promotions, unpaid Earned Academic Allowance and outstanding union dues.

The strike was later suspended following appeals and assurances from the university management.

The renewed action also follows a warning issued by the ASUU Owerri Zone in June 2026.

The zonal leadership had given the Imo and Anambra governments a 14-day ultimatum over the failure of Imo State University and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University to implement the 2025 agreement.

The 2025 agreement was presented as a significant attempt to address years of tension between ASUU and government.

The deal included a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff, improved pension arrangements and new provisions relating to university funding, research and institutional autonomy.

Some universities have already begun implementing elements of the agreement.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, for example, commenced implementation of selected provisions in January 2026, including enhanced allowances funded partly through internally generated revenue.

ASUU-IMSU said the contrast with other institutions had deepened frustration among its members, particularly as lecturers continued carrying out their academic responsibilities despite the outstanding financial commitments.

“It is deeply disappointing that while our members have continued to discharge their duties with dedication and professionalism, the welfare commitments freely entered into by Government remain neglected,” the union said.

The lecturers have called on Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, university authorities and other relevant stakeholders to intervene and resolve the dispute.

The union also appealed to traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, parents and student representatives to prevail on the authorities to address the issues.

Despite the strike, ASUU-IMSU said it remained open to dialogue and constructive engagement.

The union stressed that its decision should not be interpreted as a rejection of negotiation, but as a response to what it considers prolonged inaction on legitimate welfare demands.

For students at Imo State University, the immediate concern is the effect of the industrial action on academic activities and the university calendar.