The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced the suspension of its two-week warning strike, following an overnight National Executive Council (NEC) meeting that ended at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, confirmed the development during a press briefing, saying the union decided to suspend the strike to “reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians,” including students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who intervened in the dispute.
The union had commenced the warning strike on October 13 to protest what it described as the federal government’s unsatisfactory response to long-standing issues affecting the university system. These include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries, and sustainable funding for the revitalisation of public universities.
Other demands include the payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, over four years of promotion arrears, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues. ASUU also demanded an end to what it called the victimisation of lecturers at Lagos State University (LASU), Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
Piwuna noted that while “useful engagements” have been held with government representatives regarding the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, “a lot more work is still required.”
He added that the NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike in light of the government’s willingness to return to the negotiation table, expressing optimism that both parties would make meaningful progress in addressing the union’s core demands.
Melissa Enoch
