The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Imo State University (IMSU) and Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), have declared a total and indefinite strike, shutting down academic activities at the institutions.

The union announced the action yesterday, accusing the Imo State Government and the university management of failing to implement the 2025 agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government.

ASUU also listed unpaid salaries, promotion arrears dating back to 2016 and other unresolved welfare issues as reasons for the strike.

The branch Chairman, Stephen Oguji, and Secretary, Lazarus Chikwendu, announced the decision during a press briefing at the university in Owerri.

According to the union, the agreement signed by ASUU and the Federal Government on December 23, 2025, was expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.

It said implementation had already begun in some state-owned universities, including institutions controlled by Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto states.

ASUU chapter of IMSU, however, expressed frustration that nearly eight months after the agreement was signed, no similar implementation had taken place at institution.

The union said it had repeatedly presented the agreement to the university administration, held discussions with management and issued a 21-day ultimatum without receiving any meaningful response.

“It is deeply disappointing that while our members have continued to discharge their duties with dedication and professionalism, the welfare commitments freely entered into by the government remain neglected,” the union said.

ASUU also protested the continued retention of IMSU under the Treasury Single Account, describing it as an erosion of university autonomy.

In Nasarawa, the varsity shut down following the declaration of a total and indefinite strike by the NSUK chapter of ASUU over alleged unpaid entitlements amounting to more than N3 billion.

The Chairman of the union, Dr Zubairu Loko, announced the decision yesterday after an emergency meeting of the chapter, stating that the action was in line with resolutions reached at the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union held in July.

He listed the outstanding arrears to include Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), consequential adjustment arising from the implementation of the national minimum wage, and the Federal Government-approved salary increment for university lecturers.

The ASUU chapter chairman accused the university management and the Nasarawa State Government of insensitivity to the welfare of its members despite several engagements.