Students of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), have expressed frustration over the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which began just as the institution was set to resume lectures for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP, several students, especially freshers, said the sudden halt in academic activities had left them stranded and uncertain about their next move.

Two students, identified simply as Oguche and Igbo, lamented the situation, saying it has disrupted their plans and created confusion among students.

“We don’t even know whether to remain on campus or return home,” they said. “We’re appealing to both ASUU and the Federal Government to resolve their disagreement quickly so we don’t suffer the consequences of a prolonged strike.”

At MOUAU, members of the local ASUU chapter have fully complied with the national directive to down tools. One of the lecturers, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the strike began on the same day lectures were scheduled to resume.

“We had no choice but to comply with the union’s directive,” the source said, adding that other scheduled activities on campus have also been postponed.

Similarly, checks at the Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, revealed full compliance by members of the union. A source from the ABSU chapter confirmed via telephone that the strike had commenced following a circular issued by the local leadership of ASUU.

While university gates remain open, classrooms are empty and students are left in limbo — anxiously hoping for a speedy resolution between the union and the Federal Government to prevent yet another prolonged academic disruption.