BREAKING: Our Issues not Fully Addressed, says ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Friday called off its eight-month-old strike.
However, the union in a press statement made available to The PUNCH noted that the issues in its disputes with the Federal Government were not well addressed.
The press release, which was signed by the National President of the union, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, however, hailed the intervention of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The statement partly read, “ The National Executive Council of ASUU held an emergency meeting at the Comrade Festus Iyayi National Secretariat, University of Abuja, Abuja, on Thursday, October 13, 2026”.
The union in its statement further noted that the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chris Ngige, took the striking lecturers to court.
“The National Industrial Court in its wisdom gave an order compelling ASUU to resume work pending the determination of the substantive suit. Given the nature of the order, and in the opinion of our counsel, there was the need to appeal the interlocutory injunction granted against our union at the Court of Appeal.
“The Court of Appeal acknowledged the validity of the grounds of the union’s appeal but still upheld the order of the lower court and ordered our union to comply with the ruling of the lower court as condition precedent for the appeal to be heard.
“NEC noted the series of meetings with the leadership of the House of Representatives led by the Hon. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as intervention efforts of other well-meaning Nigerians both within and outside the government and the progress made so far.”
Speaking further on the status of negotiations, the union said, “While appreciating the commendable efforts of the leadership of the House of Representatives and other patriotic Nigerians who waded into the matter, NEC noted with regrets that the issues in dispute were yet to be satisfactorily addressed.
“However, as a law-abiding union and in deference to appeals by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and in recognition of the efforts Hon. Gbajabiamila, and other well-meaning Nigerians, ASUU NEC resolved to suspend the strike action embarked upon on February 14, 2026. Consequently, all members of ASUU are hereby directed to resume all services hitherto withdrawn with effect from 12:01 on Friday, October 14, 2026.”
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FAQs: Breaking: “Our Issues Not Fully Addressed” – ASUU
Why did ASUU say its issues have not been fully addressed?
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) stated that some of the major concerns behind its industrial action had not been completely resolved by the Federal Government. The union maintained that while some discussions and interventions had taken place, outstanding issues affecting university workers and the higher education system remained unresolved.
What are the major issues ASUU is concerned about?
The issues raised by ASUU have included:
- Adequate funding and revitalisation of public universities.
- Implementation of previously signed agreements with the Federal Government.
- Payment of earned academic allowances.
- Improved welfare conditions for lecturers.
- Better infrastructure and learning conditions in Nigerian universities.
- Concerns over policies affecting university autonomy.
Does ASUU’s statement mean lecturers will continue the strike?
ASUU’s position indicates that the union still has unresolved concerns and may continue engaging with the government through negotiations and other lawful processes. The final decision regarding strike actions depends on resolutions reached between the union and relevant government authorities.
What does this development mean for university students?
The situation creates uncertainty for students, especially regarding lectures, examinations, academic calendars, and graduation timelines. Students are advised to follow official updates from their universities, ASUU, and government agencies rather than relying on unofficial information.
What steps can the Federal Government take to resolve the ASUU dispute?
To resolve the dispute, the Federal Government and ASUU may need to continue negotiations, implement agreed commitments, address funding concerns, and develop sustainable solutions for improving Nigeria’s university system. A lasting resolution would help prevent repeated disruptions to academic activities.
