Precious Nwonu, Enugu

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has approved the implementation of the 2025 renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities for staff of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, beginning in January 2027.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Harrison Madubueze, announced the approval in a statement issued on Friday.

According to Madubueze, the decision was communicated to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, through the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Peter Onwualu.

Omenugha expressed appreciation to the governor on behalf of the university management, Senate, staff and students, while also commending the leadership of the institution’s labour unions.

She described the approval as the fulfilment of assurances previously given by the state government concerning the implementation of the agreement.

The statement said the implementation had remained elusive under previous administrations, which it accused of failing to fulfil commitments to university staff.

It added that the decision aligned with Soludo’s education agenda, which seeks to restore teaching as a respected profession by ensuring that educators receive appropriate motivation and rewards.

The university management said the implementation formed part of broader efforts to improve the institution’s standards and position it as a university of global standing.

The Federal Government and ASUU reached a renegotiated agreement in 2025 following prolonged disagreements over university funding, lecturers’ welfare and working conditions.

Although the Federal Government oversees federal universities, state governments are responsible for decisions concerning the implementation of such agreements in their state-owned institutions, including Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.