The Abia State University branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-ABSU) has commenced an indefinite strike over what it described as unresolved welfare and conditions-of-service demands affecting its members.
The union announced the industrial action on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the university’s Governing Council on July 22.
In a notice signed by the ASUU-ABSU Chairperson, Dr Chidi Mba, and Secretary, Dr Victor Obisike, the union said it had exhausted several avenues of dialogue and negotiation with the university management, Governing Council and government representatives without satisfactory resolution.
Among the outstanding demands listed by the union are the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement, irregular promotions and notional promotions, non-remittance of cooperative deductions, and outstanding Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) dating back to 2009.
The union said its decision followed extensive deliberations at its congress, where members reviewed the outstanding issues and resolved to commence the strike until the demands are satisfactorily addressed.
Consequently, ASUU-ABSU said there would be no lectures, Academic Board meetings, Senate meetings, Convocation activities or other statutory academic meetings during the strike.
The union expressed regret over the inconvenience the action may cause students and the institution, but maintained that the strike was necessary to press for improved welfare and better conditions of service.
It, however, reaffirmed its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with relevant authorities and consider any meaningful intervention capable of resolving the issues.
The ASUU-ABSU Chairperson, Dr Chidi Mba, acknowledged that some of the demands predated the administration of Governor Alex Otti, which assumed office in 2023.
He argued that government was a continuum and that the present administration should inherit both the assets and liabilities of previous administrations.
Reacting, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, confirmed receipt of the union’s notice of industrial action.
Agwu said the necessary steps were being taken to address the situation, while acknowledging that some of the issues inherited by the present administration predated its tenure.
The development has raised concerns among members of the university community, particularly over its possible impact on academic activities and the ongoing process of selecting a new Vice-Chancellor and Registrar for the institution.
The strike is expected to remain in force until the union and the relevant authorities reach a satisfactory resolution of the outstanding welfare issues.
