Why we suspended our strike — ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has explained that it suspended its two-week nationwide warning strike to acknowledge the intervention of key stakeholders and allow the Federal Government time to fulfil its outstanding commitments.

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing journalists on the outcome of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which ended earlier in the day.

Piwuna said the decision followed “useful and encouraging engagements” between ASUU and government representatives, particularly after the intervention of the National Assembly leadership.

He stated that the union resolved to give the government a one-month window to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and address other unresolved issues affecting public universities.

“We’ve had constructive discussions with government officials on the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.

“While we’re not yet where we want to be, progress has been made.

“In appreciation of the renewed dialogue, NEC resolved to review the ongoing strike,” Piwuna said.

He added that the union’s decision was also in recognition of the efforts of students, parents, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other well-meaning Nigerians who appealed for a resolution to the crisis.

ASUU had declared the warning strike on October 13, 2025, to press for the implementation of several unmet demands, including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers in Lagos State University, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Other concerns include the payment of 25 to 35 percent salary arrears, settlement of over four years of promotion arrears, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions.

Piwuna stressed that the suspension of the strike was not an end in itself but a show of goodwill and commitment to dialogue.

“We have decided to give the government this window to demonstrate sincerity and commitment to resolving all outstanding issues.

“We expect concrete results within the next one month,” he said.

He reaffirmed that ASUU remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s public universities and would not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to meet its promises within the stipulated period.