The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has declared a two-week warning strike, effective Friday, August 14, 2026, citing the non-implementation of the FGN/ASUU agreement. The union's chairperson, Dr Andrew Apeh, made the announcement while addressing reporters in Enugu, stating that the management has shown "zero reflection" of the agreement, choosing "misinformation, confusion and inaction" over dialogue.
Background of the Industrial Action
In June 2026, ASUU-ESUT issued a one-month ultimatum demanding the immediate implementation of the agreement. According to Dr Apeh, the union held exhaustive deliberations at its congress on July 14 and 25, 2026, and after several failed attempts at dialogue, the decision to down tools was reached. He emphasized that the strike was not a preferred option but a last resort, as the union has been "pushed to the wall."
Key grievances include the alleged unpaid Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) since 2009, which amounts to over 17 years of unpaid arrears. These long-standing financial issues have prompted the union to take this industrial action to press for their demands.
Scope of the Strike and Compliance Measures
Dr Apeh directed that all academic activities at ESUT be shut down from Friday, August 14, 2026, until the expiration of the warning strike. This includes lectures, examinations, supervision, project defenses, statutory meetings, and departmental activities. He also urged all academic staff to stay away from the university campuses at Agbani and Enugu for the duration of the strike.
To ensure full compliance, a monitoring team has been inaugurated with immediate effect. The union warned that any member found within the school premises or engaging in any academic activity during this period would be considered "an enemy of the Union" and dealt with according to the union's disciplinary provisions.
Appeal to Government and Stakeholders
The union appealed to the Enugu State Government, the ESUT Governing Council, and Management to understand that their patience has expired. Dr Apeh called on Governor Peter Mbah and all stakeholders to intervene without further delay to prevent the university from total collapse. The strike is expected to last two weeks, after which the union will review the situation based on the response from the authorities.
