The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Imo State University, Owerri Branch (ASUU-IMSU) on Friday September 20, 2024 declared an indefinite strike.
The association, in a statement disclosed that the decision to proceed on strike stems from lingering unresolved issues, which have affected the welfare of members of the association negatively.
The statement signed by Comrade Odinakachukwu Ejiogu, Chairman and Comrade Lazarus Chikwendu, Secretary listed the issues to include promotions
without financial benefits since 2016; ASUU-IMSU staff salary disparity with those of other comparable tertiary institutions in the country and undue delays in staff assessment and promotions.
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Others are selective salary payment and non-payment of arrears of salaries; non-payment of earned academic allowances since the year 2009 and non-remittance of union check-off/welfare dues from February 2020 to September 2021.
The rest are non-remittance of pension deductions from May 2016 to date; non-payment of annual increment in salaries; inclusion of Imo State University Owerri in the Treasury Single Account (TSA) of the government, poor funding of the university and erosion of the university's autonomy.
The union stated that despite several attempts to address these issues through letters, meetings, rallies, and press releases, no concrete actions had been taken by the university administration, the Governing Council, or the visitor to the university who is also the governor of the state, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
"Our members have been patient, but the worsening conditions have forced us into this position.
"During our congress on July 18th, 2024, we issued a 21-day notice to resolve these issues. Since no solution
has been reached within this period, we are now compelled to begin this indefinite strike to secure fair
treatment and better working conditions, the union said in its statement.
"We request the understanding and support of the public as we stand for justice, improved conditions, and a
brighter future for the Imo State University', the union concluded.
The university management is yet to react to the development as at press time. Similarly, the state government was yet to react to the development at press time. All entreaties to get the university 's Public Relations Officer, PRO, Nze Raphael Njoku Obi and the state Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Public Orientation, Hon Declan Emelumba speak on the strike proved abortive.
