In a significant move to support the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) during the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Governor Peter Mbah has approved an additional N115 million in monthly funding. This brings the total monthly subvention from the state government to N276 million, a notable increase from the previous N161 million.

The announcement was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who emphasized that this funding is intended to help ESUT meet the salary benchmarks established in agreements between ASUU and the federal government. The latest allocation reflects a cumulative increase of N140 million since February 2026, when the monthly funding was raised from N136 million to N161 million following a specific allocation for the ESUT College of Medicine.

Prof. Onyia highlighted the commitment of Governor Mbah's administration to prioritize the welfare of workers and ensure that students receive uninterrupted education. "Governor Mbah has demonstrated once again that his administration places the welfare of workers and the uninterrupted education of our young people at the heart of its priorities," he stated.

In light of this new funding, the state government has called on ASUU members at ESUT to suspend their strike and return to the classrooms. Prof. Onyia warned that the longer the strike continues, the more serious the disruption to students' academic progress will become. He urged both the university management and ASUU to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a quality educational environment for students.

The increase in funding is part of a broader strategy by the Enugu State government to strengthen ESUT and ensure it can fulfill its obligations to both staff and students. The administration has committed to ongoing support for the institution, aiming to enhance its capacity as a leading science and technology university in Nigeria.

As the strike continues, the hope remains that this financial intervention will pave the way for a resolution and a return to normal academic activities at ESUT.