The Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Cross River State branch, has commenced an indefinite strike over alleged unpaid allowances, salary arrears and the non-implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government.
The union disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Branch Chairperson, Patrick Ushie, and the Branch Secretary, Edang Bassey.
According to the statement, the strike took effect from May 19, 2026, following what it described as the failure of the university management, governing council and government to address its demands despite the commencement of implementation of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU renegotiated agreement in January 2026.
The statement read, “The failure of Management, the Governing Council and Government to immediately attend to this agreement and other charters of demands has caused the ASUU-UNICROSS branch to embark on a total and indefinite strike action, beginning today, May 19, 2026.”
The union listed its demands to include the implementation of the salary structure and welfare benefits, such as the Continuous Academic Training Allowance, Earned Academic Allowance, and professional allowances, contained in the 2025 FG-ASUU renegotiated agreement, alongside payment of accrued arrears.
ASUU also demanded increased government funding for the institution and prompt payment of salaries not later than the third day of every succeeding month.
The lecturers further called for the payment of unpaid salaries and arrears arising from the 35 per cent and 25 per cent wage award implemented in public universities since January 2023.
The union alleged that welfare levy deductions totalling N2.154m made in 2024 and 2025 had not been remitted, while outstanding check-off dues owed to the branch and the national body since 2017 amounted to N11.8m.
It also claimed that cooperative deductions amounting to N69m remained unpaid.
Other demands include payment of outstanding promotion arrears estimated at over N1bn, earned academic allowances amounting to N45m accrued between July 2011 and December 2017, and remittance of unpaid National Housing Fund deductions allegedly withheld since 2018.
The statement further directed members to withdraw from all academic activities during the strike period.
“This strike is total and indefinite; during this period, there are to be no academic meetings (Senate, Department board, Faculty board, Council, etc.), no teaching, no contact with students, etc. However, research and community service can go on,” the union stated.
The union added that the branch chairperson remained the “only reliable source of information” and urged members to attend congress meetings promptly.
“United we bargain, divided we beg! Solidarity forever!!” the statement added.
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