By The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) branch, has declared a total and indefinite strike over what it described as the failure of the university management, Governing Council and the Federal Government to implement agreements reached with the union.
The strike action took effect on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, according to a strike bulletin signed by the branch chairperson, Comrade Patrick Ushie.
In the bulletin titled “Strike Bulletin No. 1,” the union said the action became necessary following prolonged delays in the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU renegotiated agreement and several unresolved welfare issues affecting academic staff.
The union accused authorities of neglecting critical aspects of the agreement since its implementation began in January 2026.
ASUU-UNICROSS listed 11 demands, including the immediate implementation of salary structures and welfare benefits such as CATA, EAA and professional allowances, payment of outstanding arrears, increased funding for the university and prompt payment of monthly salaries.
The union also demanded the payment of unpaid salaries and arrears linked to the 35 per cent and 25 per cent wage awards introduced in public universities since January 2023.
“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.” The bulletin read.
The union further alleged that several deductions made from staff salaries had not been remitted. According to the bulletin, welfare levy deductions totaling N2.154 million and cooperative deductions amounting to N69 million remain unpaid.
ASUU-UNICROSS also claimed that outstanding check-off dues owed to the branch and the national body since 2017 stand at over N11.8 million.
The union further demanded payment of promotion arrears put at more than N1 billion, alongside earned academic allowances amounting to N45 million accrued between 2011 and 2017 under the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement.
On the conduct of members during the strike, the union directed lecturers to suspend all academic activities, including lectures, senate meetings, faculty board meetings and every form of contact with students.
“This strike is total and indefinite; during this period, there are to be no academic meetings, no teaching, no contact with students.” The bulletin stated.
However, the union clarified that research and community service activities could continue during the industrial action.
ASUU-UNICROSS urged members to remain united and attend congress meetings regularly, insisting that the branch chairperson remains the only reliable source of information concerning the strike.
