In an effort to emphasise their demands, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Imo State University Chapter, went on an indefinite strike on Friday.

The ASUU-IMSU Chairperson and Secretary, Comrade Odinakachukwu Ejiogu and Comrade Lazarus Chikwendu, signed a press release announcing the strike, which was to begin on Friday, September 20. The decision is the result of multiple unresolved difficulties that have persisted for years.

“We demand an end to selective salary payment, non-payment of arrears of salaries, undue delays in staff assessment and promotion, and promotion without financial benefits, which has been occurring since 2016.”

According to the letter, ASUU-IMSU also demanded that “IMSU be added to the Treasury Single Account, funding for the university be increased, earned academic allowance not paid since 2009, union check-off/welfare dues not paid from 2020–2021, pension deduction not paid from May 2016 to the present, annual salary increases not paid, and university autonomy being undermined.”

Despite our repeated efforts—including letters, protests, press conferences, and rallies—the university administration, governing council, and guest have not responded to our requests for specific action.

“On July 18, this year, we gave the University a 21-day notice to address all of the issues, but no resolution was forthcoming. In order to emphasise our demands, we were forced to continue our indefinite strike.

Ejiogu urged the public to stand with them in their demand for justice, better living conditions, and a more promising future for the university.