Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, commonly known as UNIZIK, has shut down academic and administrative activities at the federal institution following the declaration of an indefinite strike over the non-payment of complete August 2026 salaries to its members. The industrial action took effect on Monday, September 7, 2026, in line with a standing resolution of the ASUU National Executive Council that empowers branches to withdraw services when salaries remain unpaid after the third day of the following month.
In a statement jointly signed by the branch Chairman, Innocent Nnubia, and Secretary, Osita Nnajiofor, the union stated that by September 7, the university had still not paid the full salaries for August. The lecturers stressed that this was the "sole reason" for the industrial action, noting that the situation had occurred more than three times, making it an "ugly and frustrating experience" for members. The union has therefore directed all its members to withdraw their services indefinitely until the complete payment of August 2026 salary is made to all affected staff.
The lecturers have called on the university authorities and the Visitor to the University, President Bola Tinubu, to urgently intervene and ensure the immediate payment of the outstanding portion of the August salary. They also appealed for measures to prevent a recurrence of what they described as a recurring salary-payment challenge. When contacted for comment, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the university, Aloysius Attah, declined to speak on the matter.
The strike is the latest in a series of industrial actions that have disrupted academic calendars in Nigeria's public universities, raising concerns over the funding of tertiary education and the welfare of academic staff. For students at UNIZIK, the indefinite strike means that lectures, examinations, and other academic activities are now on hold until the salary dispute is resolved. The development could prolong the academic session and further strain relations between the university management and the union, as both sides await a resolution that will restore normalcy to the campus.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments