Operations at the University of Cross River State (UniCross) were disrupted on Thursday when four staff unions collectively shut down offices across the institution, protesting the non-payment of salaries for January and February 2026.
The unions—Joint Action Congress (JAC), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), National Association of Academic Technicians (NAAT), and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU)—enforced the shutdown after a joint meeting on campus. Union leaders directed workers to vacate and lock administrative offices, suspending all minimal services that were previously maintained. This action effectively halted university operations, compelling both academic and non-academic staff, along with students, to leave the premises.
A union spokesperson, who requested anonymity, explained that the industrial action was precipitated by management’s failure to disburse salaries punctually. He noted that the December 2025 salary was only paid in late January 2026, and as of now, there is no evidence that the January 2026 salary will be paid, with February’s also outstanding. “We are demanding prompt payment of our salaries as and when due,” he said, characterizing the delay as unfair to workers. The unions have resolved to keep offices shut until all arrears are settled.
University management responded through the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francesca Bassey, who stated that efforts are underway to clear the salary backlog expeditiously.
The shutdown has direct consequences for students, especially with examinations slated to begin on Monday. Alfred Obeten, a student in the Media Studies Department, appealed to authorities to resolve the dispute swiftly to avoid further disruption to the academic calendar. “This strike will again affect our academic progress. We appeal to management to pay the workers and avert a prolonged shutdown,” he said.
This incident reflects a recurring pattern in Nigeria’s public university system, where salary delays often lead to industrial actions, impacting academic schedules. As the standoff continues, the university community awaits a resolution to prevent the escalation of losses in learning time and administrative functions. The management’s timely settlement of dues will be key to resuming normal activities.
