After more than six weeks of academic shutdown at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), there is renewed hope that normal academic activities may soon resume as the Cross River State Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNICROSS chapter, prepare for a decisive meeting aimed at resolving the lingering industrial dispute.
The strike, which has lasted for about 45 days, has left thousands of students stranded at home while lectures, examinations and other academic activities remain suspended.
Chairman of ASUU-UNICROSS, Dr. Patrick Ushie, confirmed that the union had received an invitation from a technical committee established by the state government to engage stakeholders and seek a lasting solution to the crisis. According to him, the union is willing to participate in the talks with the hope that concrete decisions capable of ending the strike will emerge.
The industrial action began on May 19 after the union accused the university management and the state government of failing to address several longstanding welfare issues affecting lecturers. Among the major demands are the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU renegotiated agreement, payment of outstanding entitlements, improved welfare packages and the resolution of other administrative concerns affecting academic staff.
The prolonged shutdown has continued to generate anxiety among students and parents, many of whom fear that the academic calendar could suffer another major disruption if the negotiations fail.
Education stakeholders have urged both parties to approach the meeting with sincerity and compromise, stressing that students should not continue to bear the consequences of unresolved labour disputes.
Observers believe the forthcoming meeting could determine whether lecturers return to classrooms or the industrial action drags on for several more weeks.
Students across the university community are now eagerly awaiting the outcome of the talks, hoping that an agreement will be reached to restore academic activities and prevent further setbacks to their education.
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