Olusegun Adeyemo
A cross-section of Nigerians has reacted to the suspension of the two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), urging both the Federal Government and the union to ensure lasting peace in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
ASUU had on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, announced the suspension of its two-week warning strike. The National President of the Union, Prof. Chris Piwuna, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, noting that the suspension followed deliberations between ASUU and relevant government agencies.
Speaking to The Journal Nigeria on the development, an educationist, Mr. Bello Isiaka, commended ASUU, the National Assembly, and the Federal Government for reaching a timely resolution, stressing that all parties must honour the agreements made.
“This is a great development. Time is a priceless gift, especially for young people and students, it should never be toyed with. Permanent solutions should be established to avoid future disruptions,” he said.
A student, Femi Adesina, expressed concern over the sustainability of the agreement, asking if the issues had been permanently resolved.
“We don’t want any reccurrence anytime soon. Students are already struggling to catch up academically. Another strike could worsen the situation,” he said.
Another commentator, Mrs. Jamewilliams Gabriel, while commending both parties for reaching a truce, however, warned that the few days lost to the strike would result in an intense academic calendar as universities attempt to make up for lost time.
“Students will face increased pressure—more assignments, presentations, and readings just to cover up the lost days,” she said.
“If you don’t adjust quickly, you’ll lose marks before you can recover. Be proactive, participate in class, and stay focused,” she advised students.
Similarly, Temi Olajide noted that ASUU’s decision to suspend the strike was again based on government promises, calling for sincerity in implementing the resolutions.
“ASUU went on strike because of unfulfilled promises and has now suspended it on the same basis. We hope this time the government keeps its word,” he said.
In his reaction, Mr. Kazeem Lawal welcomed the suspension but criticized the Federal Government for failing to address the core issues affecting the education sector.
“It’s good that the strike was suspended, but it’s bad that the government still neglects the basic demands of ASUU,” he lamented.
“Students bear the brunt of these disruptions. After graduation, they are blamed for inefficiency when the system itself sets them back.”
ASUU had on Monday, October 13, 2025, declared a total and comprehensive warning strike to press for the implementation of several pending demands.
The union is seeking the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, revitalisation of public universities, and an end to the victimisation of lecturers in some universities including LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
Other demands include the payment of 25–35% outstanding salary arrears, promotion arrears of over four years, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union dues.