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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced the suspension of its ongoing two-week warning strike, bringing temporary relief to students and parents across Nigeria. The decision was disclosed by ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
The resolution came after an extensive National Executive Council (NEC) meeting that stretched through the night, concluding around 4:00 a.m. Prof. Piwuna explained that the strike, initially triggered by the government’s delay in meeting key demands, has been paused due to “useful engagements” that have moved negotiations forward. He noted that while more work is still required, the government has returned to the negotiation table.
The NEC’s decision to suspend the warning strike acknowledges the efforts of students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, according to Piwuna. The strike, which began on October 13, was launched to press for the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries and arrears, proper funding of public universities, and an end to the victimization of lecturers at institutions like LASU, FUTO, and Prince Abubakar Audu University.
This suspension offers a temporary reprieve as the union and government resume talks aimed at resolving lingering issues in the education sector. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see if these negotiations yield lasting solutions to the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s public universities.
