“This Is My Saddest Day” — Final-Year IMSU Student Laments as ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike

A final-year student of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, has expressed frustration after the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) declared an indefinite strike, disrupting ongoing examinations.

The student reportedly arrived at the university on Monday, August 10, to sit for her first final-year examination when ASUU members announced the commencement of the industrial action.

“This is one of my saddest days in university,” the student said in a video shared online, expressing uncertainty over when she and other finalists would be able to continue their examinations.

The development comes after ASUU-IMSU announced a total and indefinite strike over what it described as the failure of the Imo State Government and university management to implement an agreement on improved welfare and conditions of service for academic staff.

According to reports by Vanguard, Punch and Premium Times, the union said its action followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum without a satisfactory response from the university authorities.

The lecturers also cited outstanding salaries, promotion arrears dating back to 2016, withheld check-off dues and unpaid Earned Academic Allowance among their grievances.

For final-year students already preparing to complete their programmes, the sudden disruption has raised concerns over examination schedules, graduation timelines and the possibility of further delays.

The strike is currently specific to ASUU’s IMSU branch, rather than a nationwide ASUU shutdown.