Get Guardian on GoogleAcademic activities at University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) were Monday grounded as lecturers under Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) resumed indefinite strike.
The lecturers are protesting non-payment of September and October 2026 salaries and failure of Cross River State Government to implement financial components of renegotiated 2025 FG/ASUU agreement.
It would be recalled that ASUU had embarked on strike on May 19, 2026, suspended it on July 21, 2026 after emergency meeting with Governor Bassey Otu.
At that meeting, attended by Calabar Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Ikechukwu Igwenyi, Governor Otu had assured delegation that his administration would begin implementation within 90 days.
But three months after, nothing has been done.
The branch Chairman, Dr. Patrick Ushie, told emergency congress Monday that staff are yet to receive September, October salaries, forcing union to resume action.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, who attended congress with management team, appealed for patience, disclosing Governor Otu had approved payment.
She described Otu as “man of honour and integrity who had done his part,” adding that the Accountant General has assured that October salaries would be paid before close of business Monday.
But lecturers rejected the plea, insisting on total shutdown until alert drops. They promised to reconvene to suspend the strike once payment is confirmed.
As at press time, lecture halls were empty, students seen loitering around campus, while university gate was partially locked.
Efforts to reach Commissioner for Education and Accountant General failed as they said to be attending the All Progressive Congress APC Presidential rally in Calabar
