The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced the suspension of its ongoing two-week warning strike.
This was revealed on Wednesday by the National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, during a press briefing held in Abuja.
According to Prof. Piwuna, the decision followed a meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC), which lasted overnight and concluded around 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
He explained that the strike was initiated due to the federal government’s delay in addressing the union’s long-standing demands.
“We’ve had meaningful discussions with government representatives regarding the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreement. Although progress has been made, we’re still not where we need to be,” Piwuna stated.
He added that the union took note of the government’s willingness to return to the negotiation table. While acknowledging that more work remains, the NEC decided to review the ongoing strike in light of interventions from students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Therefore, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike as a sign of appreciation for the efforts of concerned Nigerians,” he said.
It will be recalled that ASUU began the nationwide warning strike on Monday, October 13.
ASUU’s demands include the finalization of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries spanning three and a half months, improved and sustained funding of public universities, revitalization of university infrastructure, and an end to the alleged victimization of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
Other demands involve the payment of outstanding salary arrears (ranging between 25% and 35%), settlement of over four years of promotion arrears, and release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.
