Students of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, have lamented the continued strike by the university’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has now entered its 70th day.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the union declared a total and indefinite strike on August 10, 2026. It cited the non-implementation of the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement at the university.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the union also listed unpaid promotion arrears dating back to 2016, delayed salaries for some members, 21 months of withheld check-off dues and non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009. It also protested the university’s retention under the Treasury Single Account, describing it as an erosion of autonomy.
Students say they have been abandoned while the dispute drags on. The strike disrupted examinations, with final-year students among those affected, although some students claim they were allowed to write.
Business owners around the campus say the shutdown has hurt their earnings. One trader, identified as Duru, appealed to the state government and the university management to end the strike before he is forced to beg for money online.
The Imo State Government had not publicly commented on the strike at press time. The union has said it will not return until the agreement is fully implemented at IMSU. It warned that further delay would worsen tension on campus.
The union said similar concerns led to its 2024 strike, which was suspended after assurances from management.
For now, students and parents wait for ASUU-IMSU, the university management and the Imo State Government to find a way out.
All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria. Contact: info@cdanews.ng, www.cdanews.ng, +2348030980314 | 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
