ASUU Suspends Two-Week Warning Strike Amid Ongoing Negotiations

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced the suspension of its two-week warning strike, the union’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, revealed during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. The decision followed a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held overnight, which ended early Wednesday morning.

ASUU had commenced the strike on October 13 due to the government’s failure to meet key demands, including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries totaling over three months, sustainable funding for public universities, and the reversal of victimization against lecturers in some institutions.

According to Prof. Piwuna, there have been constructive talks with government representatives, and while progress is ongoing, more work remains before the union’s issues are fully resolved. The NEC’s decision to suspend the strike was also influenced by pressure from students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, who urged a review of the strike action.

The suspension is seen as a positive step to allow continued dialogue and negotiations aimed at addressing ASUU’s outstanding concerns.