Academic activities are set to resume at the University of Cross River State after the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities suspended the strike it had embarked on since 19th May, 2026. The decision followed an emergency Congress of the Union held at the Calabar Campus of the University.

The strike had originated over 11 unresolved grievances bordering on staff welfare, including the non implementation of the 2025 Federal Government ASUU renegotiated agreement, unpaid salaries, wage award arrears and unremitted check off dues, with the Union placing the outstanding sum at N11.9 million. It disrupted academic activities at the University for more than two months.

The Management of the University and the Cross River State Government undertook a series of interventions to resolve the dispute, the Institution disclosed. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, led the University's Management team and the leadership of the ASUU branch to a closed door meeting with the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

Before that engagement, the Vice Chancellor had also led student leaders to a separate meeting with the Governor, the University stated. Both meetings held during the preceding week, and the suspension of the strike came as an outcome of assurances given by the Governor at both sittings.

A technical committee had earlier been set up by the state government to examine the Union's grievances, with the ASUU branch chairperson previously disclosing that supporting documents detailing the demands were submitted to the committee ahead of scheduled negotiations.

The University credited the development to the commitment of its Management and the Cross River State Government toward restoring industrial harmony and ensuring the uninterrupted progress of the Institution. It also commended students, the Academic Staff Union of Universities and other stakeholders for their patience and constructive engagement throughout the period of the strike.

The suspension of the industrial action paves the way for the resumption of academic activities across the University, with further details expected to be released soon regarding the resumption timetable.