ASUU-ESUT Embark on Two-Week Warning Strike over Unpaid Allowances, Salary Arrears

Academic activities at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) may be disrupted for the next two weeks as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ESUT branch, on Friday commenced a warning strike over unpaid allowances, salary arrears and poor welfare for its members.

The warning strike, which began on Friday, August 14, 2026, followed the expiration of a one-month ultimatum the union issued to the university authorities.

ASUU-ESUT demanded the implementation of the 2025 agreement by July 31 but reported no progress.

At a press conference in Enugu, presided over by ASUU-ESUT branch chairman Comrade Andrew Apeh, the union said the agreement had yet to be implemented.

“Today, 14th August, 2026, there has been zero reflection of that agreement in ESUT. Management has chosen misinformation, confusion and inaction over genuine dialogue and proper solutions,” the union said.

The lecturers said the decision to embark on the warning strike followed several unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issues through dialogue.

“After several approaches toward dialogue failed, and following exhaustive deliberations at our congress held on July 14 and 25, 2026, and pursuant to the directives and approval of the National Executive Council (NEC) of our union, we are left with no other option than to down tools,” the union said.

One of the union’s major grievances is the alleged non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) since 2009, leaving more than 17 years in arrears.

The union said the strike would last for two weeks, unless the issues prompting the action were addressed.

The union said, “Over 17 years of arrears remain unpaid despite repeated promises and several engagements.”

It also complained about outstanding arrears arising from the implementation of the 2019 Minimum Wage Act.

According to ASUU-ESUT, the consequential adjustment covering April 2019 to May 2023 had yet to be paid to its members.

“The consequential adjustment arising from the 2019 Minimum Wage Act is yet to be paid,” the union said.

The lecturers also accused the authorities of failing to implement the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage award increments approved by the federal government.

“The palliative wage awards approved by the federal government have not been implemented in ESUT,” they said.

Another grievance is the alleged non-payment of 60 per cent of outstanding CONTISS/CONUAS arrears.

The union recalled that 40 per cent of the arrears had been paid to eligible staff in 2018, but the remaining 60 percent is still outstanding.

“Following the payment of 40% of CONTISS/CONUAS arrears to eligible staff in 2018, the remaining 60% is still outstanding,” ASUU-ESUT said.

The lecturers further raised concerns over the alleged non-remittance of deductions made from their salaries.

They alleged that the July 2026 ASUU-ESUT NUPEMCO individual investment deduction was deducted at source but not remitted.

The union also alleged that some of its withheld check-off dues remained unremitted, describing the development as “financial sabotage of the union and its welfare scheme.”

The latest development could have serious consequences for students, particularly those whose lectures, examinations and academic programmes may be affected by the industrial action.

For students and parents, another disruption in the university system could mean additional delays in completing academic programmes and entering the workforce.

However, ASUU-ESUT maintained that the strike was a necessary step after its attempts at dialogue failed.

The union said it had exhausted its internal processes, including congress deliberations on July 14 and 25, before arriving at the decision.

“Arising from the above, and in line with our constitution and NEC directive, ASUU-ESUT Branch hereby declares a two-week warning strike with effect from today, Friday, 14th August, 2026,” it said.

The union’s demands include the implementation of the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement, payment of the 17-year EAA arrears, minimum wage arrears, wage awards, outstanding CONTISS/CONUAS arrears and remittance of third-party deductions.