The leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Thursday suspended its three-month strike after reaching an agreement with representatives of the Federal Government led by the Minister of Labour and Employee, Dr. Chris Ngige.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the President of the Union, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi said "ASUU‘s action strike, which started on 4th November, 2018, was situated in the context of accumulated records of indifference and lackadaisical attitude of Government to negotiated agreements with the Union."
He explained that the industrial action which commenced last November was suspended because the Union reached an agreement with the Federal Government on wide range of issues including the release of N25 billion in April/May 2019 before full implementation of the 2013 MoU. His statement read in part
"In addition to the N20 billion for 2018, the sum of N25 billion only would be released in April/May 2019, after which government would resume full implementation of the MoU of 2013.
"Part-payment of the outstanding arrears of the earned academic allowances; defraying the balance up to 2018 in 4 tranches within 36 months; and mainstreaming further payments of EAA into the annual budgets beginning from 2019 budget.
"PICA verification and the release of the arrears of salary shortfall at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, not later than 15th February 2019.
"Strengthening the Consultative Committee on State-owned Universities (CCSOU), inaugurated on Monday, 28th January, 2019 to look into the issues of proliferation, underfunding and governance to consistently deliver on its mandate.
"Payment of the outstanding EAA arrears of all eligible staff in the University of Ilorin, especially the loyal ASUU members whose appointments were illegally terminated by today, 7th February, 2019.
"Acknowledgement and appreciation of Government for facilitating the release of the final letter of approval for the granting of operational license to NUPEMCO. Visitation to all Federal Universities would commence tentatively by 11th March, 2019.
"Provision of documented guidelines on procedures and roles of parties in the process of renegotiating FGN-ASUU Agreement of 2009 which would commence not later than 18th February 2019 and end by Friday 29th March 2019."
He however added that should the government renege on the agreement, the union would not hesitate to take drastic measures.