Abuja, Nigeria – October 22, 2025 – In a welcome development for millions of Nigerian university students and their families, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its two-week warning strike, effective immediately, following constructive dialogues with the Federal Government. The decision, announced by ASUU National President Prof. Chris Piwuna after an overnight National Executive Council (NEC) meeting that concluded at 4:00 a.m., brings much-needed stability to the nation’s public universities amid ongoing concerns over funding and welfare.
The strike, which commenced on October 13, 2025, was declared as a “total and comprehensive” action in response to the government’s failure to address key demands, including the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable funding for public universities, payment of outstanding salary arrears (25-35%), settlement of promotion backlogs spanning over four years, and an end to alleged victimization of union members at institutions like Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU, now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). Piwuna described the initial action as a reluctant measure after repeated appeals fell on deaf ears, emphasizing its toll on the academic calendar and students’ futures.
The suspension comes after “useful engagements” with a government team led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed on October 16 and 18, where progress was made on the draft renegotiated agreement, though not all issues were resolved. ASUU has extended a one-month grace period to the administration, urging swift implementation to avoid a resumption of industrial action without notice. “The struggle continues,” Piwuna declared, crediting interventions from students, parents, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Senate, and the media for facilitating the breakthrough. He also commended the resilience of Nigerians in supporting the union’s push for a revitalized university system.
The news has sparked jubilation across social media, particularly on X, where users hailed the quick resolution as a rare win for dialogue over disruption. One post quipped, “ASUU called off their two weeks warning strike barely a week in. Gone are the days, mehn!!!” while another urged, “ASUU has called off its two-week warning strike… now let’s see if the government delivers in one month.” Parents and student groups expressed relief, with many sharing stories of disrupted studies and financial strains from the brief shutdown. However, skepticism lingers, as echoed in a viral query: “ASUU has called off a two-week warning strike but have we really made progress or is this just another pause before the cycle repeats?”
The Ministry of Education, which had invoked the “No Work, No Pay” policy and ordered roll calls during the strike, has yet to issue a formal response but is reportedly preparing to reconvene with ASUU stakeholders. Vice-chancellors nationwide have been directed to resume academic activities, ensuring lectures and exams proceed without further hitches.
This episode underscores the perennial fragility of Nigeria’s higher education sector, where unresolved agreements from over a decade ago continue to fuel tensions. As students return to classes, all eyes are on the government to honor the one-month timeline, lest the fragile peace unravels.
Stay tuned for updates on ASUU-FGN negotiations via official channels and major news outlets.