ASUU Suspends Warning Strike, Gives FG One Month to Meet Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its two-week warning strike following renewed commitments from the Federal Government and the National Assembly to address the union’s long-standing demands.

ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the suspension at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, citing recent interventions and engagements with the Yayale Ahmed-led committee and the Deputy Senate President as decisive factors.

The strike, which was initially set to expire next Monday, was suspended to allow for further dialogue. However, the union warned that it would resume industrial action without prior notice if no concrete steps were taken within the next month.

ASUU urged the government to use the suspension window to fulfil its obligations, including the review of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and disbursement of the university revitalisation fund.

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Following the strike declaration on October 12, the Federal Government had directed universities to enforce a “No Work, No Pay” policy.
“In line with extant provisions of labour laws, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the Ministry of Education said in a circular.

The Senate also intervened last week, with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Aliyu Dandutse, pledging to initiate negotiations among ASUU, the Ministry of Education, and the National Universities Commission to ensure a lasting resolution.