The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its ongoing two-week warning strike following an overnight meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC), which ended at about 4 a.m. on Wednesday in Abuja.
ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the suspension at a press briefing in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the decision came after what he described as “useful engagements” between the union and representatives of the Federal Government regarding the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.
“We’ve had constructive discussions with government officials on the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreements. While progress has been made, there is still much to be done,” Piwuna stated.
He explained that the NEC resolved to suspend the strike in recognition of the efforts of students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who intervened to ensure the dispute was addressed.
“NEC decided to review the strike action as a mark of goodwill and to reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians who have continued to push for dialogue,” he said.
ASUU had on Monday, October 13, declared a total and comprehensive warning strike over the government’s failure to meet several outstanding demands.
The union’s grievances include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, improved funding and revitalisation of public universities, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at Lagos State University (LASU), Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
Other issues raised by the union include the payment of outstanding salary arrears of 25–35 percent, settlement of promotion arrears spanning over four years, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.