Strike: Lecturers, Federal Govt Resume Talks Over 2009 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has confirmed that negotiations with the Federal Government have resumed over the long-standing 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and other unresolved demands, following over nine days of warning of industrial action.

In its Strike Bulletin, which was sighted by LEADERSHIP on Sunday and signed by ASUU President, Comrade Christopher Piwuna, the union disclosed that the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Team, led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, has re-engaged the union with documented responses and some offers aimed at addressing the contentious issues.

ASUU stated that its National Strike Coordinating Committee (NSCC) met on Saturday, 18 October 2025, to review developments surrounding the ongoing industrial action and assess progress since the warning strike began.

The bulletin states, “The government, through its agents, has returned to the negotiation table. Some notable Nigerians have also been involved in finding lasting solutions to the impasse.”

The union noted that its members nationwide have remained resolute in implementing the resolution of the National Executive Council (NEC) reached on 28 September 2025, which endorsed the warning strike.

It added, “ The Government’s Renegotiation Team, led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, has come to the negotiation table with documented responses to our demands and made some offers to the union.”

ASUU also acknowledged that relevant Senate Committees had been briefed on its demands and had since met with the union’s leadership, resulting in some decisions being reached.

While the union admitted that not all issues had been fully resolved, it confirmed that progress was being recorded in specific areas such as the release of third-party deductions, arrears of promotions, mainstreaming of EAA, confiscation of UNIABUJA land, and victimisation of members in KSU, LASU, and FUTO.

The bulletin further stressed that engagements are ongoing on all elements of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement, guided by the principles of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The bulletin reaffirmed the union’s commitment to unity and perseverance and urged members to remain steadfast as negotiations continued. “We commend the resilience and courage of our members in various branches, but we should remain united and steadfast in the few days ahead,” it stated.

ASUU also reminded its members that communication during the strike must be channelled through their local leadership to avoid misinformation.

“The Branch Chairperson remains the only reliable source of information at all times; so attend your branch congress meetings promptly,” it advised.

The ongoing warning industrial action, which has entered its ninth day, has over eight unresolved issues that remain central to the dispute.

These include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, revitalisation funding, sustainable funding for public universities, and the cessation of the victimisation of lecturers at LASU, KSU (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and FUTO.

Others are payment of outstanding 25–35 per cent salary arrears, settlement of over four years of promotion arrears, and release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.