In a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, ASUU’s National President, Chris Piwuna, confirmed the decision, stating that it followed a marathon meeting of the union’s National Executive Council NEC that concluded around 4:00 AM on Wednesday.

Piwuna explained that the strike, which began on October 13, was initially prompted by the government’s failure to meet the union’s demands in a timely manner. However, following recent engagements between ASUU and government representatives on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, Piwuna noted some progress, though much work remains.

“We’ve had constructive discussions with the government on the draft renegotiated 2009 agreements, and while we are not yet where we want to be, we acknowledge the government’s return to the negotiation table,” Piwuna said. “Given this development, and in response to the efforts of our students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, the NEC has decided to suspend the warning strike.”

The union’s demands remain focused on several critical issues, including the completion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the payment of withheld salaries, sustainable funding for public universities, and the revitalization of higher education institutions across the country. Additionally, ASUU is calling for the cessation of victimization against lecturers at various universities, including LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Other key issues include the payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, promotion arrears for over four years, and the release of withheld third-party deductions, such as union dues and cooperative contributions.

ASUU first announced the warning strike to raise awareness of these issues and to press the government for urgent action. With the suspension of the strike, both parties will continue their negotiations, with the hope of reaching a long-term resolution.

Source: Punch