ASUU SUSPENDS TWO-WEEKS WARNING STRIKE

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has officially announced the suspension of its ongoing two-week warning strike after reaching fresh understandings with the Federal Government.

The announcement was made by ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday.

🗣️ What Happened?

According to Prof. Piwuna, the decision followed an overnight National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which ended around 4:00 am on Wednesday.

He explained that the union embarked on the warning strike due to the government’s delay in fulfilling key agreements, but recent dialogue showed some progress.

“We’ve had useful engagements with representatives of the government concerning the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement. Although we’re not yet where we want to be, the government’s return to the negotiation table is a positive step,”
— Prof. Chris Piwuna, ASUU President.

🤝 Why the Strike Was Suspended

The ASUU President stated that the suspension came as a gesture of goodwill, acknowledging the intervention of students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) who appealed for an end to the strike.

“NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians,” Piwuna added.

📅 Background

Recall that ASUU had declared a comprehensive two-week warning strike beginning Monday, October 13, to press home its long-standing demands.

📜 ASUU’s Major Demands Include:

• Finalising the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement

• Release of withheld 3½ months’ salaries

• Sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities

• End to the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO

• Payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears

• Settlement of over four years’ promotion arrears

• Release of withheld third-party deductions such as union dues and cooperative contributions

🕊️ In Summary

While the suspension brings temporary relief to students and staff, ASUU made it clear that the move is not an end to its struggle, but rather a pause to give room for further dialogue with the Federal Government.

💬 Students and stakeholders across Nigerian universities have expressed hope that both parties will sustain meaningful engagement to prevent another disruption to the academic calendar.