The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday announced the suspension of its ongoing two-week warning strike.
ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja.
According to Piwuna, the decision was made following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union, which was held overnight and concluded at 4:00 am on Wednesday.
The union cited “useful engagements” with the government and appeals from stakeholders as reasons for reviewing the industrial action.
“We’ve had useful engagements with representatives of the government to consider the response to the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreements,” Piwuna stated. “However, we are definitely not where we were prior to the commencement of the strike. The union acknowledged that the government returned to the negotiation table.”
He noted that while more work is required, the decision to suspend the strike was also influenced by external appeals.
“The decision to review the strike action was a result of efforts by our students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress. Consequently, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians.”
ASUU had declared the total and comprehensive warning strike on Monday, October 13, citing the government’s failure to meet its demands.
The union’s outstanding demands include:
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.
Payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears.
Payment of promotion arrears spanning over four years.
Release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions and union check-off dues).
Cessation of alleged victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
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