ASUU Suspends Two-Week Warning Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially suspended its ongoing two-week warning strike, marking a temporary resolution in its dispute with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The announcement was made by ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja. According to Piwuna, the decision came after an extensive National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which lasted through the night and ended around 4:00 a.m.
Why ASUU Went on Strike
Professor Piwuna explained that the union initiated the warning strike due to the Federal Government’s delay in meeting long-standing demands, including the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement and improved funding for Nigerian public universities.
“We’ve had meaningful engagements with government representatives over the renegotiation of the 2009 agreements,” Piwuna said. “While some progress has been made, more still needs to be done to reach a lasting solution.”
Government’s Return to Negotiation Table
The ASUU president acknowledged the Federal Government’s effort in resuming negotiations, adding that the union’s decision to suspend the strike was influenced by interventions from students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“The NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike in appreciation of the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians who appealed for dialogue,” Piwuna added.
ASUU’s Key Demands
ASUU had declared a comprehensive warning strike starting Monday, October 13, after accusing the Federal Government of neglecting key issues affecting university education in Nigeria.
The union’s major demands include:
- Conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement
- Payment of withheld three and a half months’ salaries
- Revitalization and sustainable funding for public universities
- End to the victimization of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO
- Payment of outstanding salary arrears (25–35%) and promotion arrears spanning over four years
- Release of withheld third-party deductions, including cooperative and union dues
ASUU’s Next Steps
Although ASUU has agreed to suspend its warning strike, the union emphasized that this decision is a temporary measure. The NEC stated that it will continue to monitor the Federal Government’s actions closely to ensure full implementation of all outstanding agreements.
The development has brought relief to students, parents, and stakeholders in the education sector, who have long called for a resolution to the recurring disruptions in Nigeria’s university system.
Conclusion
The suspension of the two-week ASUU strike signals a renewed hope for stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. However, the outcome of the ongoing negotiations between ASUU and the Federal Government will determine whether lasting peace returns to public universities.
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