A major crisis has erupted in the University of Calabar (UNICAL) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following allegations of a N138 million fraud involving unremitted check-off dues.

The controversy, which dates back to 2019, is tied to the tenure of the immediate past executive led by Dr. John Edor. Reports indicate that the failure to remit dues to the national secretariat prompted ASUU’s national leadership to suspend the UNICAL chapter.

The matter has since escalated to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Calabar Division, where a suit (No. NICN/CA/44/2025) has been filed by Dr. John Inaku and nine other lecturers. The defendants in the case include ASUU (National), the UNICAL chapter, and Dr. Edor.

The claimants are seeking wide-ranging reliefs, including a declaration that they cannot be compelled to repay check-off dues already deducted from their salaries. They are also asking the court to lift the suspension of the UNICAL chapter, restore members’ rights and privileges, and compel Dr. Edor to render a full account of all funds collected during his tenure. In addition, they want him to refund N138,782,840.97 allegedly withheld and to face disciplinary action in line with ASUU’s constitution and the Trade Unions Act.

The lecturers are further demanding N150 million in general damages from ASUU (National), N50 million from Dr. Edor, N5 million in special damages, as well as 21 percent annual interest on the judgment sum until full liquidation.

Reacting to the development, Dr. Edor acknowledged awareness of the case but insisted that ASUU has internal mechanisms to resolve disputes. “I am aware of the allegations, but there are internal processes for addressing such issues in the union. I advise aggrieved members to follow due process,” he said.