University of Cross River Academics Launch Indefinite Strike Over Unmet Demands
The University of Cross River (UniCross) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a complete and indefinite strike following the failure of the institution’s management and government to address longstanding welfare issues. The strike, which began this week, stems from unmet agreements, unpaid salaries, and delayed implementation of promised benefits, leaving academic staff frustrated and students in limbo.
According to Patrick Ushie, chairman of the UniCross ASUU chapter, the union has outlined 11 critical demands, including the immediate implementation of a revised salary structure and other welfare benefits. Among the key issues are unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, and academic allowances dating back to 2011. The union also insists on increased government funding for the university and timely salary payments, which should be made no later than the third day of each month.
“The management claims their hands are tied due to insufficient funds. They receive N300 million as subvention but require an additional N200 million to meet our demands,” Ushie stated. Despite numerous meetings with university officials, no resolution has been reached. The union also reached out to Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, but as of now, there has been no response to their letter.
The strike highlights broader challenges facing Nigeria’s public universities, where funding shortfalls and administrative inefficiencies often lead to prolonged disputes. UniCross lecturers are particularly concerned about the non-financial components of the 2025 ASUU-Federal Government renegotiated agreement, which remain unimplemented. Additionally, the union is demanding the payment of outstanding check-off dues totaling N11.9 million, accrued since 2017, as well as recent deductions for December 2024 and November 2025.
Efforts to contact UniCross Vice-Chancellor Francesca Bassey for comment were unsuccessful. She did not respond to calls or messages from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), leaving unanswered questions about the university’s plans to resolve the crisis.
The strike has sparked concern among students and parents, who fear prolonged disruptions to academic activities. With no end in sight, the union remains steadfast in its demands. “Until our demands are met in full, the industrial action remains total and will continue indefinitely,” Ushie emphasized.
The situation at UniCross mirrors similar struggles across Nigerian universities, where lecturers frequently resort to strikes to secure better working conditions and funding. As the standoff continues, stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further disruption to the education sector.
— Reported by Nexio News
