Academic activities at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, were on Friday paralyzed as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FUOYE chapter, commenced an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries.
In a statement issued after its congress meeting, the branch leadership of ASUU said the industrial action became inevitable following the failure of the university management and relevant authorities to settle several months of outstanding salary arrears owed to academic staff.
According to the union, members have endured financial hardship for too long despite repeated appeals and negotiations.
“We have been patient enough. Our members are owed arrears running into months, and many can no longer meet their basic obligations. We cannot continue to work under these conditions while our welfare is neglected,” the statement read.
The strike action has already disrupted lectures, examinations, and other academic activities on campus, leaving students stranded. Some students who spoke to reporters expressed frustration, noting that the frequent interruptions in the academic calendar were taking a toll on their education and future plans.
Reacting to the development, the FUOYE management said discussions were ongoing with relevant government agencies to resolve the issues. The university authorities appealed to ASUU-FUOYE to suspend the strike in the interest of the students, promising that efforts were being made to clear the arrears.
Meanwhile, the national leadership of ASUU has expressed solidarity with the FUOYE chapter, insisting that universities cannot function effectively when lecturers are owed salaries and allowances.
The strike is expected to continue until the arrears are paid or a concrete agreement is reached, raising concerns of yet another prolonged disruption to the Nigerian university calendar.
