The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a potential strike within the next two weeks if their agreements with the Federal Government remain unmet according to Daily Post. Comrade Happiness Uduk, ASUU’s Zonal Coordinator for the Calabar Zone, made this declaration during a press conference and protest at Abia State University, Uturu.
Uduk highlighted several unfulfilled agreements with the government, including the lack of salary increases, unpaid salary arrears, insufficient university funding, and non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances. ASUU also rejected the Integrated Personal and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) implemented at Abia State University, Uturu. Additionally, they condemned the victimization of ASUU members at Ebonyi State University (EBSU).
Uduk expressed concern over the eroded monthly wages of lecturers due to the high cost of living and criticized the Federal Government’s loan package for students, warning it would enslave them. "Universities would be shut down for academic activities in the next two weeks. Please take the message to them," she said.
Dr. Chidi Mba, ASUU Chairman at Abia State University, also voiced opposition to the Treasury Single Account, noting that lecturers are owed between 11 and 14 months of salaries and that some salaries have been slashed. Mba urged the Abia State government to increase funding for the university.
The Calabar Zone of ASUU includes seven universities: University of Calabar, University of Uyo, Alex Ekwueme University, Abia State University, Ebonyi State University, and Akwa Ibom State University.