Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has ended the two-month industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Cross River State branch, after the union suspended its strike for 90 days with effect from Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
The suspension followed an agreement signed with the university management and Governing Council on July 20, 2026. It came after weeks of engagement and the constitution of a seven-member Technical Committee by the Governor on June 16, 2026, to review UNICROSS’ working environment.
In Bulletin No. 5, Branch Chairperson Comrade Patrick Ushie commended members for their “steadfastness” and directed them to resume teaching, research and community service immediately.
He said the decision was based on “the trust we have for the Visitor and agreements signed,” but warned that the suspension depended on the full implementation of the July 20 agreement.
The Technical Committee, announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, was mandated to assess staff welfare, academic productivity and governance.
It was also tasked with reviewing the relationship between the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, recently approved by the Federal Government, and the Earned Academic Allowance, as well as exploring alternative funding sources and recommending measures to meet the National Universities Commission 3:1 academic-to-non-academic staff ratio, among other responsibilities.
ASUU-UNICROSS commenced a total and indefinite strike on May 19, 2026, over 11 demands, including the implementation of the 2023 Federal Government-ASUU salary structure, payment of arrears, earned academic allowances, promotion arrears dating back to 2011, and the remittance of more than N83 million in deductions.
