The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended the two-week warning strike it began on October 13, 2025.
The strike, originally scheduled to end on October 27, was called off following fresh assurances from the Federal Government and the National Assembly to address the union’s longstanding demands.
ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the suspension during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday. He cited recent interventions by the Yayale Ahmed-led committee and the Deputy Senate President as key factors influencing the decision to end the industrial action ahead of schedule.
Despite the suspension, ASUU urged the government to seize the one-month window to take concrete steps toward fulfilling its commitments. The union’s demands include the review and implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned academic allowances, and release of revitalisation funds for public universities.
ASUU warned that failure to meet these demands within the next month could trigger a resumption of the strike without further notice.
Background: Why the strike was declared
ASUU had declared a “total and comprehensive” two-week warning strike on October 12, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28. The union accused the Federal Government of neglecting critical issues related to staff welfare, salary arrears, infrastructure, and non-implementation of past agreements.
Government reacts with “no work, no pay” policy
In response to the strike, the Federal Government criticized ASUU’s action, claiming that it was already addressing the union’s grievances. The Ministry of Education later issued a circular enforcing the “No Work, No Pay” policy in line with labour laws.
The circular instructed university vice-chancellors to conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff, with reports to be submitted to the ministry identifying those who were at work during the strike.
Senate steps in
Amid rising tensions, the Senate intervened last week, expressing concern over the government’s failure to meet ASUU’s demands. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Aliyu Dandutse, described the situation as “unacceptable” following a closed-door meeting with ASUU leadership.
He announced that the Senate would initiate a negotiation process involving key stakeholders — including the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) — to develop a lasting solution to the crisis.
Addressing a related dispute involving land ownership at the University of Abuja, the committee also pledged to engage the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in search of an amicable resolution.
