ASUU Calabar Zone Signals Total Strike Over “Chronic Neglect” of State Universities
The Calabar Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning of an impending total and indefinite strike across four state-owned institutions. Following a crucial congress held at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the union cited “chronic neglect” and a persistent refusal by state governments to honor long-standing agreements as the primary drivers of the crisis.
The warning directly affects *Abia State University (ABSU)*, *Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)*, *Ebonyi State University (EBSU)*, and the *University of Cross River State (UNICROSS)*. According to a formal statement signed by the Zonal Chairman, Ikechuku Igwenyi, and other branch leaders, the union can no longer guarantee industrial harmony in these institutions.
At the heart of the dispute is the failure of the respective state governments to implement various components of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement. Specifically, ASUU highlighted that while UNICROSS has seen only partial implementation, ABSU, AKSU, and EBSU have failed to implement key components, including the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). Beyond allowances, the union raised alarms over chronic salary delays, the withholding of third-party deductions—such as union dues and cooperative savings—and the general erosion of living standards for academic staff.
“This is not merely a dispute over figures; it is a fight for the survival of the university system and the dignity of the men and women who sustain the future,” Igwenyi stated. The union emphasized that despite years of “uncommon maturity” and patience, the environment within these four universities has become untenable.
The Calabar Zone has made it clear that if these grievances remain unaddressed by the governing councils and relevant state authorities, it will be forced to commence a comprehensive and total industrial action. Such a move would effectively paralyze academic calendars across the affected states, leaving thousands of students in a state of uncertainty as the 2026 academic year progresses.