By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, Anambra State on Tuesday, 26th August, 2025 held a peaceful protest over federal government non-compliance in addressing issues bedeviling University administration and the welfare of her members.
The protesters who carried placards with varying inscriptions marched round major roads at the Awka campus through the main gate before winding off at the administrative block.
Speaking shortly after the protest, Chairperson of ASUU UNIZIK Chapter, Comrade Innocent Nnubia stated that the Federal Government has remained complacent and adamant in handling lingering matters raised by the Union such as three and half months withheld salaries, arrears of 25 and 35 percents salaries upgrade already paid to other ministries and federal parastatals, withheld salary promotion arrears as well as 2009 renegotiated issues.
Comrade Nnubia informed that the protest was to inform the public that her members should not be held responsible if the Union embarks on indefinite industrial action to press home their demands while he appealed to the university authority to take their demands to the federal government to expedite action.
Comrade Nnubia stated: “We in ASUU, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Branch, address this press conference to inform the government and the general public that time is running out and we should not be held responsible if there is a breakdown of industrial harmony in our campuses.
“We want the Federal Government to address our concerns ranging from, RE-NEGOTIATING OF THE 2009 ASUU-FGN AGREEMENT; RELEASE OF OUR WITHHELD THREE AND HALF MONTHs 2022 SALARY ARREARS; PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING 25-35% SALARY ARREARS; RELEASE OF OUR THIRD PARTY DEDUCTIONS; RELEASE OF ARREARS OF PROMOTION FOR OVER FOUR YEARS; SUSTAINABLE FUNDING OF UNIVERSITIES and PUTTING A STOP TO THE VICTIMIZATION OF OUR MEMBERS,” Comrade Nnubia stated.
In her response, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi commended the Union members for their orderly and peaceful conduct.
Prof. Arinze-Umobi who was represented by a member of the Governing Council, Prof. Pius Okoye assured that the issues raised will be channeled to the appropriate quarters.
