The management of Imo State University, IMSU, Owerri has directed all members of staff of the institution including its striking lecturers to resume with immediate effect.
The university gave the directive in a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar/Head, Media and Public Relations, Nze Ralphael Njoku Obi.
Obi said all students who left campus to participate in the just concluded local government council elections in the state are required to return to campus immediately to resume academic activities.
According to Obi, the second semester examination which was put on hold because of the election has been shifted to Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
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The university also directed all staff who traveled to return to their duty posts with immediate effect, saying that any staff or student who neglects this directive would have himself to blame.
He enjoined all staff and students to heed to the directive in their own good.
Responding to an enquiry by our correspondent on whether the advisory is also for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU of the university who declared a strike last week, Obi responded in the affirmative.
Obi said; "The announcement said all staff and students".
Recall that ASUU IMSU on Friday, September 18 declared an indefinite strike citing lingering unresolved issues as reason for downing tools.
The union in a statement signed by Odinakachukwu Ejiogu, Chairman and 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 and undue delays in staff assessment and promotions.
Others are selective salary payment and non-payment of arrears of salaries; non-payment of earned academic allowance 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 in the Treasury Single Account (TSA); funding of the university and erosion of the university 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, Governing Council, or the visitor to the university.
"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.
"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.
A meeting held on Monday, September 23 between the management and the union ended in a stalemate as both parties could not broker a truce.
