The Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) has announced the immediate commencement of an indefinite strike and picketing at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) over what it described as unlawful retirement of senior academic staff.
This was contained in a notice issued by Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, National Secretary-General of ASURI.
ASURI expressed ‘profound disappointment’ at the decision of the NIMR management to issue retirement letters to Research and Academic Cadre Directors based on an eight-year tenure policy.
The union said the action was taken despite its earlier advisory dated March 3, 2026, warning against such a move.
ASURI further alleged that the affected directors had also been directed to vacate official quarters, describing the development as ‘an unconscionable plot’ that would adversely affect the scientists and their families.
The union accused the institute’s management of undermining established administrative procedures and allowing non-academic officials to influence decisions affecting academic staff.
It noted that such practices were contrary to standard structures in academic environments, where senior academic officers typically oversee matters relating to research and academic personnel.
According to ASURI, the situation was worsened by the alleged inactivity of the institute’s Internal Management Committee, which it said should ordinarily be populated by academic directors.
The union maintained that the actions of the management violated the existing Conditions of Service (2019) and disregarded exemptions granted to research and academic staff.
ASURI, therefore, declared an immediate and indefinite strike by its NIMR branch, alongside the commencement of picketing activities at the institute.
Breach of Agreed Condition of Service
It also announced the activation of a formal trade dispute over what it described as breaches of agreed conditions of service and statutory provisions.
The union argued that the enforcement of the eight-year tenure policy contradicted earlier resolutions reached through ministerial intervention.
It insisted that the retirement age for research and academic staff remained 65 years, as stipulated by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
ASURI blamed the development on the institute’s management, accusing it of failing to seek proper clarification before implementing the policy.
