ASUU Suspends Two-Week Warning Strike, Gives FG One-Month Ultimatum
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its two-week warning strike, granting the Federal Government a one-month window to finalise the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and address long-standing issues affecting Nigeria’s public universities.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, during a press briefing in Abuja. He said the decision followed productive discussions with government officials and mediation efforts by the National Assembly.
Why ASUU Declared the Strike
Professor Piwuna explained that ASUU embarked on the warning strike on October 13, 2025, after the government failed to respond to repeated appeals to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement and improve lecturers’ welfare.
“When we gathered here about 10 days ago to declare the warning strike, it was a painful move made out of necessity,” Piwuna said. “The government had ignored several requests to resolve issues vital to the survival of Nigeria’s public universities.”
He added that the strike was a last resort after peaceful channels had been exhausted.
Progress Made During Negotiations
Following the strike declaration, the Federal Government re-engaged ASUU through a committee led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, which met with union representatives on October 16 and 18, 2025. The meetings reviewed the government’s position on the draft renegotiated agreement.
According to Piwuna, while not all issues have been resolved, significant progress has been made compared to the pre-strike situation.
“We have not achieved every objective, but we are certainly not where we were before the strike began,” he stated.
He commended the Senate Committees on Tertiary Education and TETFund, the Labour Committee, and Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin for mediating the renewed talks.
NEC’s Decision to Suspend the Strike
The decision to suspend the strike came after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held between October 21 and 22, 2025.
The NEC concluded that the warning strike had achieved its purpose by compelling the government to return to the negotiation table.
ASUU said the temporary suspension was to allow for continued dialogue and to consider the interests of students, parents, the media, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other Nigerians who expressed support and understanding throughout the industrial action.
What Happens Next
While the suspension signals a temporary truce, ASUU warned that if the Federal Government fails to deliver on its promises within the one-month grace period, the union may resume industrial action without further notice.
Professor Piwuna reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s public universities and urged Nigerians to hold the government accountable.
“The struggle continues,” he said. “Sustaining harmony in our universities requires mutual respect and genuine action from both sides.”
Closing Note
The suspension of ASUU’s warning strike is seen as a step toward restoring stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. The union said it remains focused on ensuring that the Federal Government fulfils the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and upholds the welfare of university staff nationwide.
As thousands of students prepare to return to classes, all eyes are now on the government to make good on its commitments — and prevent another round of disruption in the nation’s academic calendar.
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