Strike Continues as ASUU NEC Fails to Suspend Action
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has confirmed that its ongoing strike will continue, following a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja that concluded in the early hours of Monday.
According to sources, the NEC did not consider suspending the strike, as there were no new or serious commitments from the Federal Government to address the union’s demands. The leadership of ASUU reportedly briefed the NEC on the interactions with the Prof. Nimi Briggs Committee, which was set up by the government to renegotiate the 2009 Agreement with the union.
Government Engagement and Solidarity Actions
The union highlighted that, despite the establishment of the Briggs Committee and its subsequent recommendations, the government ignored the report. ASUU leadership also updated the NEC on interventions by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and nationwide solidarity rallies held last week in support of the lecturers’ demands.
A source at the NEC meeting said:
“Since there is no sign of any serious commitment on the part of the government, there was no need for the NEC to consider suspending the strike. Can anybody say this is what the government is offering? They were the ones who set up the Briggs Committee and it made recommendations and the government jettisoned the report. The government is not sincere.”
The source further criticized the government’s approach to the education sector, stating that public education in Nigeria is being neglected, mirroring the decline in public primary and secondary schools.
Strike Duration and Impact
ASUU has been on strike since February 14, 2026, and the industrial action has been joined by various non-teaching staff unions across universities. Solidarity rallies were conducted in Abuja and several states last week to pressure the government to meet the union’s demands and to reopen the universities.
The union leadership has indicated that an official statement on the next course of action will be released soon.
Related Article: ASUU Opposes Education Loan, Demands Withheld Salaries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is ASUU still on strike?
ASUU remains on strike due to unresolved demands under the 2009 agreement and what it sees as insincerity from the Federal Government in implementing the recommendations of the Nimi Briggs Committee.
How long has the ASUU strike lasted?
The current strike began on February 14, 2026, making it several months long.
Did the NEC consider suspending the strike?
No, the NEC did not deliberate on suspending the strike as there were no serious government commitments to meet their demands.
What role did the NLC play?
The Nigeria Labour Congress organized nationwide solidarity rallies with ASUU to pressure the government to address the union’s demands and resume academic activities.
When will the strike end?
The end of the strike depends on the Federal Government’s engagement with ASUU and the union’s acceptance of any proposed resolution. No official end date has been announced.
