ASUU Calabar Zone Threatens Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Allowances

CALABAR, NIGERIA — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Calabar Zone, has issued a strong warning of a looming total, comprehensive and indefinite strike across state-owned universities in the region, citing unresolved grievances over poor staff welfare, unpaid allowances, and the non-implementation of agreements by authorities.

The union’s warning, delivered after a zonal meeting, raises fresh concerns about potential disruptions in Nigeria’s already fragile higher education system.

ASUU listed several long-standing issues that have remained unaddressed:

Non-implementation of agreements: The union expressed frustration over the Federal Government’s failure to fully implement the 2009 agreement and subsequent memoranda reached with ASUU.

Unpaid allowances: Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) and other approved entitlements, including academic and professorial allowances, remain unpaid.

Salary concerns: Lecturers are yet to benefit from the approved 25–35 percent wage award, while adjustments tied to the new minimum wage have not been effected.

Delayed salaries and deductions: The union decried persistent salary delays and alleged deductions involving pensions, cooperative contributions, and union dues.

Deteriorating welfare: ASUU noted that many lecturers now struggle to meet basic needs, including housing, healthcare, and children’s education, due to rising economic pressures.

Affected Institutions

The warning affects state-owned universities within the Calabar Zone, including institutions in:

Abia State

Akwa Ibom State

Ebonyi State

Cross River State

These include Abia State University, Akwa Ibom State University, Ebonyi State University, and the University of Cross River State.

ASUU stated that it can no longer guarantee industrial harmony if urgent steps are not taken to address the concerns raised. The union stressed that its members have shown restraint over time but warned that continued neglect could trigger a complete shutdown of academic activities.

The Calabar Zone leadership also called on stakeholders  including parents, students, and traditional rulers  to hold relevant authorities accountable should the situation escalate into a strike.

Implications for the Education Sector

If implemented, the proposed strike could lead to:

Suspension of academic activities across affected universities

Further delays in academic calendars

Increased pressure on Nigeria’s public university system

The development comes amid ongoing concerns about funding, governance, and staff welfare in the nation’s tertiary education sector.