The Academic Staff Union of Universities at Imo State University (ASUU-IMSU) has begun a total and indefinite strike, effective 10 August 2026. The union made the announcement during a press conference in Owerri, citing the failure of the Imo State Government and university management to implement a welfare agreement signed with the federal government on 23 December 2025. The agreement was due to take effect on 1 January 2026 but remains unimplemented. ASUU-IMSU chairman Stephen Oguji and secretary Lazarus Chikwendu stated that repeated engagements with management yielded no progress, and a 21-day ultimatum expired without response.
The union listed unresolved financial grievances, including unpaid promotion arrears since 2016, several months of unpaid salaries, 21 months of withheld check-off dues, and non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance since 2009. ASUU-IMSU also criticized the university's operation under the Treasury Single Account, calling it a breach of institutional autonomy. The union noted that similar agreements are already being implemented in state universities in Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, and Sokoto. It urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene and called on traditional and religious leaders, civil society, parents, and student unions to support the demand.
The union emphasized its commitment to dialogue but warned that continued neglect of welfare obligations would not be tolerated. In 2024, a previous industrial action was suspended following assurances from management, but the lecturers said those promises were not fulfilled. Despite ongoing duties, they claim their welfare commitments have been ignored.
ASUU-IMSU is striking over a 2025 agreement that was supposed to start in 2026 but has not been implemented, even though similar deals are active in other state universities. This delay leaves IMSU lecturers working without key financial entitlements while their counterparts elsewhere receive them.
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