Abuja, Nigeria – October 22, 2025 – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced the suspension of its two-week warning strike, which commenced on October 13, 2025, following renewed assurances from the Federal Government to address the union’s long-standing demands. The decision was made during the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which concluded in the early hours of Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The strike, initially set to end on October 27, was halted due to progress in negotiations, particularly following interventions by the Senate.
The industrial action was launched after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government, with ASUU citing “persistent neglect and insincerity” in addressing issues outlined in the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement. The union’s demands include the payment of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, earned academic allowances (EAA), the release of third-party deductions, and revitalization funding for public universities. These issues have been at the core of recurring disputes between ASUU and the Federal Government, leading to multiple strikes over the years.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday morning, ASUU’s National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, emphasized that the suspension was a gesture of goodwill based on the government’s renewed commitments. “There would have been no need for a warning strike if the government had shown sincerity in negotiations from the outset,” Piwuna stated. He commended the Senate for its role in facilitating dialogue, which influenced the union’s decision to suspend the strike. However, he warned that ASUU reserves the right to resume industrial action if the government fails to fulfill its promises within a one-month period. “NEC resolved that the warning strike is hereby suspended with immediate effect. Should the government fail to address the issues within one month, ASUU reserves the right to return to its initial decision,” he added.
The 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement has been a focal point of contention for over a decade. The agreement includes provisions for improved funding for universities, better welfare for academic staff, and infrastructural development in public institutions. ASUU has consistently accused the government of failing to honor the agreement, leading to disruptions in academic activities across the country. The recent strike was triggered by the government’s alleged failure to release funds for revitalization, pay outstanding salaries, and address other financial obligations to university lecturers.
The suspension of the strike has been met with cautious optimism by stakeholders in the education sector. Students, who bore the brunt of the two-week disruption, expressed relief but called for lasting solutions to prevent future strikes. “We’re happy that lectures can resume, but we’re tired of this cycle of strikes. The government needs to honor its agreements so we can have a stable academic calendar,” said Aisha Mohammed, a final-year student at the University of Lagos.
Education analysts have also weighed in, urging both parties to prioritize dialogue and sustainable solutions. Dr. Olumide Adeyemi, an education policy expert, noted that the recurring strikes reflect deeper systemic issues in Nigeria’s education sector. “The government must move beyond promises and implement concrete measures to fund universities adequately. At the same time, ASUU should explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to minimize disruptions to students’ education,” he said.
The Senate’s intervention, which Piwuna acknowledged, involved high-level meetings between government officials, ASUU leadership, and key stakeholders. Sources indicate that the Senate President assured the union of the government’s commitment to releasing funds for some of the outstanding payments and setting up a committee to monitor the implementation of agreements. While details of the government’s commitments remain undisclosed, ASUU’s decision to suspend the strike suggests a level of confidence in the assurances provided.
The suspension comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s tertiary education system, which has faced numerous challenges, including underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and brain drain. Public universities have struggled to maintain academic standards amid dwindling resources, with many lecturers citing poor working conditions as a major concern. The revitalization funds demanded by ASUU are intended to address these issues, including upgrading facilities and improving research capabilities in universities.
ASUU’s warning strike had disrupted academic activities in public universities nationwide, leaving millions of students stranded and prompting protests from student groups. The suspension is expected to restore normalcy, with lecturers directed to resume teaching immediately. However, the one-month ultimatum issued by ASUU underscores the fragility of the truce and the need for swift government action.
The Federal Government has yet to issue an official statement on the strike suspension, but sources within the Ministry of Education indicate that negotiations are ongoing to address ASUU’s demands comprehensively. The government’s ability to meet the one-month deadline will likely determine whether the education sector can avoid another round of disruptions.
As the nation awaits further developments, the spotlight remains on the government’s commitment to prioritizing education and resolving the longstanding issues that have plagued Nigeria’s universities. For now, the suspension of the strike offers a temporary reprieve for students, lecturers, and parents, but the underlying challenges in the education sector demand urgent and sustained attention.
