ASUU Suspends Two-Week Warning Strike, Gives FG One-Month Ultimatum to Meet Demands

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

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the decision followed “useful and encouraging engagements” with government representatives, particularly after the intervention of the National Assembly leadership.

“We’ve had useful engagements with representatives of the government to consider the response to the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreements. We are definitely not where we were prior to the commencement of the strike,” Piwuna said.

He explained that the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU resolved to suspend the strike as a gesture of goodwill, giving the government a one-month window to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and address other unresolved issues affecting public universities.

“The decision to suspend the warning strike was also in appreciation of the efforts of our students, parents, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other well-meaning Nigerians who intervened in the matter,” he added.

ASUU had on October 13, 2025, declared a total and comprehensive warning strike to press home its demands, which include:

• Conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement

• Release of withheld three and a half months’ salaries

• Sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities

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

• Payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears and promotion arrears spanning over four years

• Release of withheld third-party deductions, including cooperative contributions

Piwuna emphasised that the union’s decision to suspend the strike does not signify a resolution of its disputes with the government but reflects ASUU’s commitment to constructive dialogue.

“We have decided to give the government this window to show sincerity and commitment to resolving all outstanding issues. We expect concrete results within the next one month,” he said.

He warned, however, that ASUU would not hesitate to resume industrial action should the government fail to honour its promises within the agreed timeframe.

“Our commitment to defending the integrity of Nigeria’s public universities remains unwavering. We will continue to fight for a fair, functional, and globally competitive university system,” Piwuna concluded.

The temporary suspension of the strike is expected to pave the way for continued academic activities across public universities nationwide as both parties return to the negotiation table.