ASUU Suspends Two-Week Warning Strike
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced the suspension of its two-week warning strike, allowing the Federal Government a one-month window to complete the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and address other unresolved matters affecting Nigeria’s public universities.
The ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. He explained that the decision followed productive discussions with the government and mediation efforts from the National Assembly.
Why ASUU Declared the Warning Strike
According to Professor Piwuna, ASUU declared the warning strike on 13 October 2025 after the government failed to respond to repeated appeals to finalise the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement and attend to lecturers’ welfare issues.
He said the union had exhausted all peaceful channels before taking that decision. “When we gathered here about 10 days ago to declare the warning strike, it was a painful move made out of necessity. The government had ignored several requests to resolve issues vital to the survival of Nigeria’s public universities,” he said.
Progress Made During Negotiations
Following the start of the strike, the Federal Government re-engaged ASUU through a committee led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, which met with union representatives on 16 and 18 October 2025 to review the government’s position on the draft renegotiated agreement.
Piwuna explained that while not all issues were resolved, progress was 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 said.
He praised the Senate Committees on Tertiary Education and TETFund, the Labour Committee, and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, for their role in mediating between the union and the government.
NEC’s Decision on the Suspension
After an emergency meeting held between 21 and 22 October 2025, the ASUU National Executive Council (NEC) reviewed the progress of discussions and concluded that the warning strike had achieved part of its purpose — compelling the government to resume negotiations.
The union stated that it suspended the strike to create a more favourable environment for continued dialogue, taking into account the interests of students, parents, the media, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other Nigerians who showed support and understanding.
What Happens Next for ASUU and the Government
While the suspension marks a temporary truce, ASUU warned that if the Federal Government fails to address the pending issues within the agreed one-month timeframe, the union may resume industrial action without further notice.
Professor Piwuna reaffirmed the union’s commitment to improving public university education and urged Nigerians to encourage the government to keep its promises. “The struggle continues,” he said, stressing that maintaining harmony in the academic sector depends on mutual respect and genuine action.
Closing Note on ASUU’s Warning Strike Suspension
The ASUU leadership emphasised that the temporary suspension of the strike aims to promote dialogue and protect students’ academic progress. The union remains focused on ensuring the government fulfils its obligations under the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement to restore stability across Nigeria’s universities.
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