The Calabar Zone of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) don threaten total, comprehensive and indefinite strike and, as e be, the warning come over unpaid allowances, poor welfare and failure to implement agreements by government. Meanwhile, the development fit disrupt activities for several state-owned universities.
ASUU Calabar Zone, wey represent lecturers for universities across Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Cross River, raise the alarm after zonal meeting wey hold for Calabar on Tuesday. However, the statement wey Zonal Coordinator, Ikechuku Igwenyi, sign, warn say industrial peace no longer guaranteed.
According to the union, institutions like Abia State University (ABSU), Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU) and University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) fail to fully implement the 2009 agreement with government, except partial compliance for UNICROSS.
Furthermore, ASUU list major grievances to include non-payment of earned academic allowances, non-implementation of 25/35% wage award, lack of adjustment to new minimum wage and failure to honour recent agreements on academic and professorial allowances.
In addition, the union complain about persistent salary delays, saying the situation don create serious financial hardship for members and reduce productivity.
Moreover, ASUU accuse some university administrations of withholding third-party deductions like union dues, cooperative savings and pension contributions.
“In some cases, deductions since 2018 still dey withheld,” the union reveal, describing the situation as unacceptable.
On the other hand, the lecturers lament say rising inflation don worsen their condition, making basic needs like rent, hospital bills and school fees difficult to handle.
“We no fit continue to maintain peace when our members no fit survive. This na fight for survival of the university system,” the statement emphasise.
Consequently, the union call on federal and state governments to urgently intervene to avoid full-blown strike, warning say if action no come quickly, academic activities fit shut down across affected institutions.
As tension dey rise, parents, students and stakeholders dey watch closely, hoping say government go act fast to prevent disruption in the education sector.
