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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Branch, has shut down academic activities at the institution, declaring a two-week warning strike over unpaid allowances, salary arrears and alleged non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU renegotiated agreement.
The strike, which commenced on Friday, followed the expiration of a one-month ultimatum issued by the union on June 30, demanding that the 2025 agreement be implemented at ESUT by July 31.
Speaking after the union’s congress in Enugu, acting chairperson of ASUU-ESUT, Andrew Apeh, said the decision followed the failure of the university management and relevant authorities in Enugu State to address the union’s grievances despite several attempts at dialogue.
“Today, 14th August, 2026, there has been zero reflection of that agreement in ESUT. Management has chosen misinformation, confusion and inaction over genuine dialogues and proper solutions,” the union leader said.
Apeh said the union had exhausted all avenues for resolving the issues amicably before resorting to industrial action, adding that the decision was taken after deliberations at congress meetings held on July 14 and 25 and in line with directives from ASUU’s National Executive Council.
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At the centre of the dispute, he said, was the non-implementation of the new salary structure and conditions of service contained in the 2025 agreement.
The union also accused the university of owing its members Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) dating back to 2009.
“Over 17 years of arrears remain unpaid despite repeated promises and several engagements,” the union said.
ASUU-ESUT further listed outstanding consequential adjustments arising from the 2019 Minimum Wage Act between April 2019 and May 2023, and the non-payment of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent wage award increments approved by the Federal Government.
It also claimed that 60 per cent of CONTISS/CONUAS arrears remained unpaid, following the payment of 40 per cent to eligible staff in 2018.
The union alleged that some deductions made from members’ salaries were also not being remitted.
