Joy Yesufu and Kamsi Anayo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its ongoing two-week warning strike following overnight deliberations by its National Executive Council (NEC).
The National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the suspension during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.
Piwuna said the decision followed extensive discussions during the NEC meeting, which began on Tuesday and ended around 4 a.m. on Wednesday.
He explained that the union embarked on the warning strike due to the Federal Government’s delay in meeting its long-standing demands but noted that progress had been made in recent engagements.
“We’ve had useful engagements with representatives of the government to consider the response to the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.
“While a lot more still needs to be done, NEC acknowledged that progress has been made since the strike began,” he said.
According to him, the union’s decision to suspend the action was influenced by appeals from students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“Consequently, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians who intervened in the dispute,” Piwuna added.
ASUU had on October 13 declared a total and comprehensive two-week warning strike to press home demands, including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries, revitalisation of public universities, and an end to alleged victimisation of its members.
The union, however, warned that it would not hesitate to resume industrial action if the Federal Government fails to honour its commitments.
