The University of Calabar Branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has revealed that ten of its academic staff members have died since the ASUU strike began on February 14, 2022.
Speaking on Thursday in Calabar, ASUU UNICAL Branch Chairman, Dr John Edor said the circumstances surrounding their deaths were not unrelated to lack of funds to treat medical conditions.
Edor, however, disclosed the names of the lecturers and their various courses. The names listed are; Dr. Ita Esuabana, Mathematics; Prof. E. O. Udosen, Biochemistry; Prof. Victor Ibianwu, Physics, Prof. Offiong Abia, History and International Studies; Dr. Mrs. Iquo Takon, Microbiology; Prof. G. U. Ntamu, Religious and Cultural Studies; Prof. Mrs. Judith Otu, Sociology; Prof. Catherine Agbor, Arts Education; Dr. Augustine Bassey, Sociology; and Dr. Chinyere Okam, Theatre and Media Studies.
ASUU had commenced the strike to press home their demands for improved welfare, amongst others and the federal government had withheld salaries of the lecturers for the seven month period.
Asked to comment on the tragedy, Edor said, “I won’t make further comments.”
