Lecturers at the University of Cross River State have joined the nationwide strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities to demand the implementation of existing agreements, payment of withheld salaries, and improved welfare for university workers.
The decision was confirmed on Tuesday in Calabar by the Chairman of the UNICROSS ASUU branch, Dr. Patrick Ushie, who said the institution’s lecturers were fully aligned with the national directive.
“ASUU has declared the strike to address various grievances, including the implementation of agreements, payment of withheld salaries, and improved welfare packages for lecturers,” Ushie explained.
He added that the university’s participation in the strike was necessary since UNICROSS operates under the same consolidated salary structure as other universities across the country.
“The union here will participate in the strike because we use the same consolidated university salary template as other federal institutions,” he said.
Dr. Ushie emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly but was driven by unresolved issues affecting the welfare and rights of academic staff.
“We urge all our members to observe the strike in line with the national directive because we are affected by the same challenges that prompted ASUU to take this step,” he stated.
The strike is expected to halt academic activities at UNICROSS as lecturers adhere to the nationwide industrial action.
Despite warnings from the Federal Government about enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy, ASUU has vowed to continue the strike until its demands for better working conditions, fair remuneration, and improved university funding are met.
