In a temporary reprieve for Nigeria’s university system, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its two-week nationwide strike. The decision was announced by the union’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, in Abuja on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

The suspension, effective immediately, is a strategic pause rather than a resolution. Prof. Piwuna issued a stern warning that the industrial action would resume in full force if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands within the next four weeks.

This move aligns ASUU directly with the powerful Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has thrown its full weight behind the lecturers. Following a joint meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero declared a unified four-week ultimatum for the government to conclusively resolve all disputes with university-based unions.

“The era of signing agreements and then threatening the unions involved has come to an end,” Ajaero stated. He warned that if negotiations are not finalized within the deadline, the NLC will mobilize for a nationwide action involving all Nigerian workers.

The initial strike, declared on October 13th, was triggered by longstanding grievances, including unmet welfare demands, unpaid salary arrears, decaying infrastructure, and the government’s failure to fully implement a 2009 agreement.

In response, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, expressed regret over the strike, insisting that negotiations were in their final stages. He pointed to the release of N50 billion for earned academic allowances and a N150 billion allocation in the 2025 budget for university revitalization as evidence of the government’s commitment.

Despite these assurances, the clock is now ticking for the government to translate promises into tangible action, with the nation’s universities facing the threat of another shutdown in just one month.