The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Calabar zone has issued a fresh warning of an indefinite strike across four state-owned universities. The union cited unresolved welfare issues and funding challenges as the primary reasons for the potential industrial action.
Affected Institutions
The threatened strike will involve Abia State University, Akwa Ibom State University, Ebonyi State University, and the University of Cross River State. ASUU leaders announced the warning after a meeting held in Calabar on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Unresolved Issues
According to ASUU, most provisions of the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government remain unimplemented in these institutions. Only the University of Cross River State has recorded partial progress. Key grievances include unpaid academic allowances, failure to implement salary increases, delays in adjusting wages to the new minimum wage, and non-payment of newly approved allowances for academic tools and professors.
The union also highlighted that many lecturers face severe financial pressure due to irregular salary payments. Some university authorities continue to withhold deductions meant for pensions, cooperative savings, and union dues.
University of Cross River State Concerns
At the University of Cross River State, ASUU alleged that deductions such as union dues and housing fund contributions have been withheld for years, despite being deducted from workers' salaries. The union described the situation as unbearable, with rising living costs pushing lecturers into hardship, making it difficult to afford rent, hospital bills, and school fees.
Call for Action
ASUU stated that it can no longer maintain industrial peace while members struggle to survive. The union called on both federal and state governments to act swiftly to prevent a shutdown of academic activities. It warned that this is not merely a dispute over figures but a fight for the survival of the university system.
The union urged parents, students, and the public to hold state governments responsible if the strike eventually commences.
Related Policy
In a separate development, the Federal Government introduced compulsory promotion examinations for junior civil servants. Failure to pass three times could lead to job loss. The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation stated that the policy aims to strengthen discipline, accountability, and performance across public sector ministries, departments, and agencies. The Computer-Based Test will cover public service rules and financial regulations.
