ESUT Academics Begin Two-Week Strike Over Unmet ASUU Demands

The academic staff union at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), operating under the ASUU-ESUT Branch, initiated a two-week warning strike on Friday, August 14, 2026. This industrial action was declared in response to the university management's alleged non-implementation of the existing agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Dr. Andrew Apeh, who serves as the Chairperson of the ASUU-ESUT Branch, informed journalists in Enugu that the union had issued a one-month ultimatum in June of the same year, urging immediate adherence to the agreement. Expressing his frustration, Dr. Apeh stated, "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."

He further explained the union's decision to down tools: "After several approaches towards dialogue have failed, and exhaustive deliberations at our Congress held 14th, 25th July, 2026, and pursuant to the directives and of our Union, we are left with no other option than to down tools." Among the core issues leading to the strike are the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) since 2009 and over 17 years of accumulated unpaid arrears.

Following the strike declaration, Dr. Apeh directed that all academic activities at ESUT campuses be suspended from Friday, August 14, 2026, until the warning strike concludes. He cautioned that during this period, lectures, examinations, student supervision, project defenses, statutory meetings, and all departmental activities are strictly prohibited.

Additionally, Dr. Apeh instructed all academic staff members of ESUT to stay away from both the Agbani and Enugu university campuses for the entire duration of the strike. He confirmed that a monitoring team has been immediately constituted to ensure strict compliance. He issued a stern warning, saying, "Any member of the Union found within the school premises or engaging in any academic activity during this period shall be recorded as an enemy of the Union and dealt with in accordance with the Union’s disciplinary provisions."

Dr. Apeh clarified that the union's decision to embark on the strike was not a choice made out of preference, but rather a last resort, as they felt compelled by circumstances. He appealed to the Enugu State government, the ESUT Governing Council, and the university management to understand that the union's patience had reached its limit. He specifically called upon Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and all relevant stakeholders to intervene without delay to prevent a complete breakdown at ESUT.