The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has confirmed that the objectives for its recently suspended warning strike were partially fulfilled.
Speaking on Arise Television’s news program on Wednesday, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna explained that the union’s main goal of drawing the Federal Government’s attention to outstanding issues was achieved, resulting in the government’s negotiating team returning to the discussion table.
“Our union believes that our objective has been partly achieved. Each time you go on a warning strike, your intention is to draw attention to the issues between you and your employer,” Piwuna stated. He added that the ultimatum and the strike successfully compelled the Federal Government’s team to resume negotiations on substantive issues outlined in their agreement.
According to the ASUU President, both parties have since exchanged proposals on key matters, which facilitates further talks. Piwuna hailed the renewed engagement as a significant milestone, noting that previous committees, including those led by Baba Lakin and Prof. Nimi Briggs, had failed to achieve this level of progress since 2017.
He confirmed that one of the union’s major demands, the payment of third-party deductions, is already being addressed, with multiple branches confirming receipt of check-off dues and more payments expected. Piwuna also mentioned that the Chairman of the Federal Government’s team, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, has promised to follow up on outstanding promotion arrears, the 25–35% salary increase, and pension deductions.
The ASUU president expressed optimism that negotiations on the long-standing 2009 agreement would soon be finalized. He dismissed concerns regarding the “no work, no pay” policy, stating that the threat of withheld salaries did not deter the union.
Piwuna noted that the decision to suspend the strike was influenced by appeals from the Federal Government’s negotiation team, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and a consideration for the welfare of students and parents. He concluded: “We want to go back to school and to our classrooms. We want our students to learn, and we can assure them that they will always be a priority now that we are back to work.”
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