ASUU Shuts Down Imo State University, Begins Indefinite Strike

Academic activities at Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, have been thrown into uncertainty after the university's chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) declared a total and indefinite strike on Monday.

The union said the decision followed the failure of the Imo State Government and university management to implement an agreement reached on improved welfare and conditions of service for academic staff.

According to the union, several outstanding issues affecting its members remain unresolved despite previous engagements. ASUU-IMSU has therefore called on the state government to urgently intervene and ensure that the commitments made to academic staff are implemented.

The development means lectures and other academic activities at the institution are expected to remain suspended until the issues prompting the industrial action are addressed.

ASUU-IMSU, however, said it remains open to dialogue and constructive engagement, stressing that the strike is intended to push for the resolution of the outstanding welfare concerns rather than close the door to negotiations.

The union has also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents, student unions and other stakeholders to intervene and encourage the relevant authorities to resolve the dispute.

For students, the latest development raises fresh concerns about possible disruption to the academic calendar, particularly if the disagreement between the lecturers and government persists.

The strike also comes amid wider concerns over the implementation of welfare agreements across Nigeria's state-owned universities, with several institutions facing difficulties in meeting commitments to academic staff.

For now, students of Imo State University are left waiting for one thing: a resolution that can bring academic activities back on track.

Are you an IMSU student? How do you think the university and government should resolve the issue?