The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a fresh warning of a possible indefinite strike that could disrupt academic activities at Ebonyi State University.
The union, under its Calabar zone, raised concerns over worsening welfare conditions, unpaid entitlements, and persistent salary delays affecting lecturers in the state-owned institution.
Speaking after a recent meeting, ASUU leaders disclosed that lecturers may embark on a “total, comprehensive, and indefinite” industrial action if urgent steps are not taken by the Ebonyi State Government to address the lingering issues.
According to the union, the crisis stems from unresolved agreements and poor implementation of policies affecting academic staff welfare. Among the major concerns listed are:
- Non-payment of earned academic allowances
- Delayed and irregular salaries
- Failure to implement approved wage increases
- Lack of payment for newly introduced academic and professorial allowances
ASUU also highlighted that some deductions from lecturers’ salaries, including pension contributions, cooperative savings, and union dues, have reportedly not been remitted appropriately.
The union described the situation as increasingly unbearable, noting that many lecturers in Ebonyi are struggling to meet basic living expenses due to financial instability.
Rising cost of living, they said, has made it difficult for academic staff to afford rent, healthcare, and children’s school fees, further intensifying pressure on the university system.
ASUU warned that it can no longer guarantee industrial peace if the current conditions persist. The union urged the Ebonyi State Government to take immediate action to prevent a shutdown of academic activities at EBSU.
“This is beyond a wage dispute; it is about the survival of the university system,” the union stated, calling on students, parents, and stakeholders to hold the government accountable if the strike proceeds.
If the strike action is eventually declared, academic calendars at Ebonyi State University could face major disruption, affecting thousands of students across the state.
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