ASUU Suspends Two-Week Warning Strike, Gives FG One-Month Ultimatum

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its two-week warning strike after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held from October 21 to 22, 2025.

ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, announced the suspension at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, confirming that negotiations with the Federal Government have resumed in earnest.

He said the union decided to suspend the strike following “encouraging progress” made during recent discussions, though the government has yet to fully address the issues that triggered the industrial action.

“The NEC resolved that the warning strike is hereby suspended with effect from midnight, Wednesday, October 22, 2025,” Piwuna stated. “However, should government fail to conclude all negotiations within one month, ASUU reserves the right to resume the strike without further notice.”

The ASUU president revealed that the union met with the government’s negotiation team, led by Yayale Ahmed, on October 16 and 18, to review the draft of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement. A follow-up meeting, he said, has already been scheduled.

Piwuna also commended the Senate Committees on Tertiary Education, TETFund, and Labour, as well as Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, for their “constructive intervention” toward resolving the long-standing dispute.

He appealed to Nigerians and education stakeholders to continue urging the government to honour its commitments and swiftly conclude talks.

“The decision to suspend the strike was made out of respect for students, parents, the media, and other Nigerians who have shown unwavering support for our cause,” he added.