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Lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Imo State University (IMSU) chapter, on Friday, September 20, 2024, declared an indefinite strike to push for the resolution of long-standing issues related to their benefits.
In a joint statement signed by the Chairperson and Secretary of ASUU-IMSU, Comrade Odinakachukwu Ejiogu and Comrade Lazarus Chikwendu, the union expressed frustration over the failure of authorities to address concerns that have persisted for several years.
The statement emphasized that the decision to embark on a “total and comprehensive indefinite strike” was made after several attempts at negotiation yielded no results.
The statement read, “We are embarking on a total and comprehensive indefinite strike effective from Friday, 20th September. The decision stems from several unresolved issues persisting for years.”
“We demand an end to promotion without financial benefits since 2016, ASUU-IMSU staff salary disparity with other tertiary institutions, undue delay in staff assessment and promotion, selective salary payment, and non-payment of arrears of salaries”.
“Non-payment of earned academic allowance since 2009, non-remittance of Union check off/welfare dues from 2020-2021, non-remittance of pension deduction from May 2016 to date, non-payment of annual increment in salaries, the inclusion of IMSU into Treasury Single Account, funding of the University and erosion of the University autonomy.”
It said, “We have made several attempts through letters, rallies, meetings and press releases and no concrete action has been taken by the university administration, governing council, and the visitor to the university”.
“We issued 21 days’ notice on the 18th of July this year so that the University could resolve all the issues but no solution came. We were compelled to proceed on indefinite strike to press home our demands.”
However, they called for the understanding and support of the public as they stand for justice improved conditions and a brighter future for the university.
The industrial action by the lecturers is coming during students’ semester examinations in university.
Recall IMSU lecturers also embarked on strike in 2022.
