UNIUYO ASUU Protests Poor Pay Suspends Exams Demands 2009 Deal Implementation

Uyo, August 26 2025 — Academic staff at the University of Uyo joined a nationwide action on Tuesday, urging the Federal Government to implement the renegotiated 2009 agreement and approve a sustainable living wage for lecturers.

Professors and senior lecturers marched through the town campus, the university annex, and Ikpa Road with placards reading, among others, Treat lecturers with some dignity and Pay us sustainable living salaries. Academic and social activities were halted across the three campuses, and all examinations slated for today were suspended.

Branch chairperson Prof Opeyemi Olajide said federal university lecturers have been on the same salary for about 16 years despite rising costs, and accused the government of failing to implement the renegotiated 2009 agreement or review salaries that fell due in 2012. He also decried unpaid third party deductions and promotion arrears, saying the union will not tolerate continued neglect of members welfare.

Olajide directed students who arrived for Computer Based Test exams to return home, warning that ASUU may consider an indefinite strike if issues remain unresolved. The Federal Government has refused to fund infrastructure in public universities. Look at where you are taking your exams. Is it befitting he told students.

Former branch chair Dr Nwachukwu Anyim criticized talk of revising pay for political office holders while lecturers remain on long stagnant wages, calling it hypocritical and unacceptable. We do not like going on strike but there is little option when salaries are withheld and deductions disappear while we keep teaching, he said.