ASUU’ll Call Off Strike Soon, Says Ngige — Set to Meet Today

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has expressed optimism that the ongoing industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will be called off soon, as the Federal Government and union negotiators prepare to meet today to push for a resolution.

Ngige, acting as the chief conciliator between the government and the union, has consistently urged both sides to return to productive dialogue and bring the dispute to a close. Speaking to journalists ahead of today’s engagement, he reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing lingering points of contention — particularly concerning funding, implementation of agreements, and working conditions in the university sector — indicating that progress had been made and that an imminent breakthrough was possible.

The planned meeting — involving representatives of the Ministries of Labour, Education, Finance, and relevant negotiation committees — is expected to consider the latest progress report on the renegotiation of outstanding issues related to the long‑standing 2009 ASUU‑FGN Agreement and other welfare matters. Ngige’s comments reflect a continued hope within government ranks that a lasting settlement can be reached that will enable striking lecturers to suspend the industrial action and return to classrooms.

ASUU has periodically declared warning strikes and engaged in sit‑downs with the Federal Government over unmet demands, including funding deficits, revitalisation of public universities, salary and allowance arrears, and disagreements over payroll systems like IPPIS and alternatives such as UTAS. While government officials maintain that many proposals have been received and are under review, the union has insisted that full implementation and satisfactory conditions must be met before it calls off any strike.

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FAQs: Ngige’s Statement and ASUU Strike Outlook

What did Ngige say about the ASUU strike?

Minister Chris Ngige said he is hopeful the ASUU strike will soon be called off, stressing that ongoing negotiations and upcoming talks could lead to a resolution.

Why is today’s meeting significant?

Today’s meeting — involving government negotiation teams and ASUU representatives — is expected to examine progress on resolving the union’s outstanding demands, potentially paving the way for ending the industrial action.

What are the main issues ASUU is striking over?

ASUU’s demands include implementation of renegotiated agreements, better funding and revitalisation of universities, payment of withheld salaries and allowances, and clarity on payroll systems affecting lecturers’ remuneration.

Has ASUU responded to Ngige’s optimism?

While the government has expressed optimism, ASUU’s leadership has maintained that only when all major demands are satisfactorily addressed will the union consider calling off industrial action. Negotiations have seen progress, but not full agreement.

What happens if today’s meeting fails to yield a settlement?

If negotiations today do not yield sufficient progress, both sides may re‑adjourn talks or seek additional intervention from stakeholders, including labour authorities or legislative committees, to push forward a sustainable resolution.

Summary

Minister Ngige’s optimism reflects the Federal Government’s continued effort to resolve the long‑running ASUU dispute through dialogue and negotiation. As stakeholders meet today to reassess progress and outstanding issues, students, parents, and educators are watching closely in hopes that the strike will soon be brought to an end.