University of Cross River Lecturers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries

The Academy Staff Union of Universities at the University of Cross River has begun an indefinite strike. The union cited the failure to implement a new salary structure and other welfare benefits for academic staff. The union listed eleven items as reasons for the industrial action. It called for immediate implementation of the non-financial components of the 2025 ASUU-FG renegotiated agreement.

The union demanded increased government funding for the university. It also called for salaries to be paid no later than the third day of each month. It further demanded payment of all unpaid salaries and arrears of the 35 percent and 25 percent wage awards implemented in public universities since January 2023.

9 million. It also sought payment of current deductions for December 2024 and November 2025. The union additionally demanded payment of outstanding promotion arrears and earned academic allowances accrued from July 2011 to December 2017 under the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement.

Union chairman Patrick Ushie said the decision followed the breakdown of dialogue with university management. He stated that several meetings with management produced no results. "The management told us that their hands are tied as they don't have the funds to implement our demands," Ushie said.

Management indicated it receives N300 million in government subvention and would need an additional N200 million to meet the demands. The union wrote to Governor Bassey Otu but has not received a response. Ushie stated that the industrial action will remain total and continue indefinitely until demands are met in full.

Attempts to reach Vice-Chancellor Francesca Bassey for comment were unsuccessful.