Nigerian university lecturers have called off their 9-month long strike on Wednesday morning.
Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the umbrella body for university lecturers in the country, made the revelation in a Press Conference in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
Prof. Ogunyemi said the suspension will be effective from 12 a.m, Thursday December 24th.
He added that the decision was made after a resolution was reached between the FG and a meeting of its National Executive Council.
Ogunyemi warned that ASUU members will embark on a strike without notice if the Nigerian government fails to settle its part of the deal.
He thanked Nigerian students and parents for the patience they’ve had with the group, as he added that the strike and demands are for the greater good of the education sector.
“No amount of sacrifice would be too much to get the matter resolved as long as the government is consistent with its commitments,” he said.
“We did not go on strike because of salaries. We had key demands. We don’t see salary as a major issue because we know they’ll pay.
“If government reneges, our members are not tired of withdrawing their services.”
ASUU had embarked on a strike action on the 23rd of March, citing the inability of the Nigerian government to meet its demands as the reason.
At first, the effect was minimal as students were at home after the government announced a COVID-19-induced lockdown. After the lockdown was lifted and schools were permitted to resume, ASUU began negotiations with the lecturers and didn’t reach a headway for many months.
The lecturers have said the Nigerian government and Senate of universities will decide when their students will resume classes.