The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Owerri Zone, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the governors of Anambra and Imo states to implement the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement or risk an indefinite strike in two state-owned universities.
The union warned that academic activities would be suspended indefinitely at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, and Imo State University (IMSU) if Governors Chukwuma Soludo and Hope Uzodinma fail to implement the agreement within the stipulated period.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the ASUU Conference Hall of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the Owerri Zonal Coordinator, Dennis Aribodor, expressed concern that more than five months after implementation of the agreement commenced nationwide, the two affected state-owned universities had yet to comply.
Aribodor stated that the union had exhausted all avenues of dialogue with the governments of both states. He noted that, in line with a directive from ASUU’s National Executive Council, the branches at COOU and IMSU submitted the 2025 FG-ASUU Agreement to their respective university administrations in February 2026.
He added that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had earlier forwarded the agreement to the governors, who serve as Visitors to the universities, as well as to the institutions’ vice-chancellors for implementation.
According to him, the agreement covers key issues such as salary shortfalls, infrastructure development and staff welfare.
“More than five months after the commencement of the implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement, ASUU Owerri Zone regrets to inform the general public and stakeholders in the university education sector that the agreement has yet to be implemented in the state-owned universities within the zone.
“The Owerri Zone comprises Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
“The affected institutions are Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, owned by the Anambra State Government, and Imo State University, owned by the Imo State Government.
“Our branches in both universities complied with the directive of ASUU’s National Executive Council by submitting the agreement to their respective university administrations since February 2026.
“This was done despite the fact that the National Universities Commission had already communicated the agreement to the governors and vice-chancellors for implementation.
“Despite our good-faith engagements with the university administrations and governing councils, implementation has not commenced in either institution. This is unfortunate and unhealthy for the university system,” he said.
Aribodor noted that several other state-owned universities, including those in Bauchi, Benue, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto states, had already begun implementing the agreement.
He appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents, student groups and other stakeholders to prevail on the governments of Anambra and Imo states to implement the agreement and maintain industrial harmony.
“Continued delay in implementing the agreement serves no useful purpose and only heightens industrial tension within the affected universities.
“If the agreement is not implemented within 14 days, we will embark on an indefinite strike.
“ASUU Owerri Zone cannot continue to watch while our members in state universities are subjected to poor welfare conditions. Injury to one is injury to all. A stitch in time saves nine,” he warned.
Aribodor further expressed concern that the delay was worsening lecturers’ welfare and contributing to the growing migration of academics from universities in the South-East.
He disclosed that Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University currently receives about N180 million monthly from the Anambra State Government, compared to approximately N600 million allocated by some states solely for university staff salaries.
“I don’t understand why Anambra and Imo states should wait until there is industrial unrest before taking the necessary action,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of ASUU at COOU, Ibekilo Bruno, said the university requires about N300 million monthly to pay the salaries of its academic staff.
Similarly, the Chairman of ASUU at IMSU, Stephen Oguji, stated that the institution requires about N1 billion to adequately cater for the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff.
Oguji described the situation at the university as distressing, alleging that all financial expenditures are controlled by the state government through a single treasury account, leaving the university management with limited financial independence.
According to DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS, the development comes after the ASUU Benin Zone also threatened to shut down academic activities in seven state-owned universities across Edo, Delta and Ondo states if the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU Agreement is not reflected in the July salary payments.
The affected institutions include Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Delta State University, Abraka; University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and Southern Delta University, Ozoro.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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