ASUU Chairman Speaks as Union Suspends Strike at ESUT

ENUGU— The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) branch, has suspended its two-week warning strike with immediate effect, paving the way for the resumption of academic activities at the institution.

The Acting Chairman of ASUU-ESUT, Dr Andrew Apeh, announced the suspension during a press briefing in Enugu, saying it followed the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Enugu State Government, ESUT Management and ASUU-ESUT on August 20.

Apeh said the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU had considered the terms of the agreement and approved the suspension, noting the commitment of the Visitor to the university, Governor Peter Mbah, to implement the agreement.

He, however, said the suspension was conditional on the faithful implementation of all provisions of the MoU.

“In line with our Union’s principles of negotiation, collective bargaining, and due process, NEC has granted approval for ASUU-ESUT to suspend the ongoing industrial action with immediate effect, in deference to the commitments secured and to the plea of our Visitor.

“The suspension is therefore contingent on the good faith implementation of all items contained in the MOU.

“The Union will remain vigilant and shall constitute a monitoring mechanism to ensure strict adherence to timelines and deliverables as agreed,” Apeh said.

The union said the agreement provides for the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria/ASUU agreement at ESUT, with phased implementation scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026, and conclude on January 23, 2027.

It also provides for an additional ₦115 million monthly subvention, increasing the university’s monthly subvention to ₦276 million, to strengthen its capacity to meet salary and welfare obligations.

Other provisions include the establishment of a Joint Implementation Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, to oversee implementation of the agreement.

The MoU also covers the review and liquidation of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) arrears and other outstanding staff entitlements, alongside measures to strengthen institutional financial accountability.

The union further said third-party deductions amounting to more than ₦31 million would be immediately remitted to the accounts of ASUU-ESUT and the Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO).

Apeh commended the Enugu State Government for what he described as a decisive intervention in the dispute.

“ASUU-ESUT acknowledges the decisive intervention of the Enugu State Government under His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. The approval to domesticate the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the immediate increase in subvention represent a significant step toward addressing long-standing welfare issues in ESUT.”

He also commended the government for directing ESUT Management against victimising union members or leaders because of their union activities.

“We also note with appreciation the directive of Government to ESUT Management against any victimization of Union members or leaders on account of Union activities. This aligns with the core democratic tenets of our Union.”

Describing the development as historic for the South-East, Apeh said Enugu State had taken the lead in committing to the implementation of the 2025 agreement.

“This development is historic for the South East. For context, during the implementation of CONUASS in the past, the South East Zone was the last to comply.

“Today, Enugu State has taken the lead in committing to the full implementation of the 2025 Agreement. This provides a new template for industrial harmony in the zone.”

The ASUU-ESUT chairman also appreciated the union’s NEC for its guidance, solidarity and intervention throughout the dispute.

He, however, stressed that the success of the agreement depended on the commitment of all parties to its implementation.

“The ball is now in the court of all parties to ensure faithful implementation. ASUU-ESUT expects full compliance without delay or deviation.”

The union said its congress would reconvene at the appropriate time to review progress on the implementation of the agreement.

Apeh subsequently directed ASUU-ESUT members to return to their duty posts and urged ESUT students to resume academic activities in earnest.

The suspension brings to an end the two-week warning strike which commenced on August 14 over concerns including the non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement, unpaid allowances and outstanding staff entitlements.