By Bunmi Yekini
The Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) has declared an indefinite strike at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), protesting what it described as the “unlawful” retirement of senior research staff under an eight-year tenure policy.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Theophilus Ndubuaku, the union said it was “profoundly disappointed” by the institute’s decision to issue retirement letters to directors in the research and academic cadre, despite earlier objections raised in March.
ASURI accused the institute’s management of also ordering affected staff to vacate official quarters, a move it described as “unconscionable” and a threat to the welfare of scientists and their families.
The union said the action undermined agreements previously reached through ministerial intervention and violated existing conditions of service, including a retirement age of 65 years for research and academic staff as stipulated by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
ASURI further criticised the institute’s leadership for allowing administrative decisions affecting academic staff to be driven by non-academic officials, warning that such actions had eroded established governance structures meant to protect researchers.
As part of its response, the union announced the immediate commencement of an indefinite strike by its NIMR branch, alongside plans to picket the institute and formally escalate the matter as a trade dispute.
“The responsibility for the total breakdown of industrial harmony at NIMR rests solely with the current administration,” the statement said.
Officials of NIMR were not immediately available for comment.
The development adds to a series of labour disputes in Nigeria’s research and academic sector, where unions have repeatedly raised concerns over working conditions, governance, and adherence to agreed policies.