The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its two-week warning strike following an overnight National Executive Council (NEC) meeting that concluded at about 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, announced the decision during a press briefing, explaining that the union suspended the strike to “reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians,” including students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who intervened in the standoff with the federal government.
The warning strike, which began on October 13, was in protest against the government’s alleged failure to address long-standing issues affecting the university system. These include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries, and sustainable funding for the revitalisation of public universities.
Other demands cover the payment of 25–35% outstanding salary arrears, accumulated promotion arrears spanning four years, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues. ASUU also called for an end to what it described as the “victimisation” of its members at Lagos State University (LASU), Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
Piwuna stated that while “useful engagements” had taken place with government representatives over the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, much progress still needed to be made. He added that the NEC’s decision to suspend the strike was informed by the government’s renewed commitment to dialogue, expressing optimism that ongoing talks would yield tangible results in resolving the union’s demands.
