ASUU Call Off Two-Week Class Boycott After Government Talks

ASUU has ended the short-lived halt in teaching duties after officials agreed to address key demands, restoring normal operations in higher education institutions nationwide.

The nationwide body representing the academics announced the suspension late on Monday, following a productive meeting with representatives from the education ministry that yielded promises of swift action on critical issues.
The work stoppage, which began earlier this month as a stern alert to authorities, stemmed from frustrations over delayed implementation of a key agreement struck back in 2009, alongside concerns about funding shortfalls, unpaid allowances, and stalled promotions affecting staff morale and campus upkeep.
Union spokespeople described the outcome of the discussions as a significant breakthrough, with both sides committing to a clear timeline for resolving the core grievances. This includes fresh negotiations on updating the old pact, releasing held wages, and boosting allocations for university maintenance to prevent further breakdowns in facilities.
The education chief welcomed the development as a positive step towards smoother relations and uninterrupted learning for thousands of pupils. He assured that the government remains dedicated to fulfilling its pledges without further hitches, emphasising the importance of steady dialogue over disruptions.
The brief action had raised alarms among parents and students, with fears of extended breaks compounding existing delays in the academic calendar. However, the quick resolution has eased those worries, allowing lectures and exams to resume immediately.
This episode underscores ongoing tensions in the education sector, where repeated pledges have often fallen short, leading to periodic standoffs. Yet the latest accord signals a potential thaw, with union leaders urging all parties to stick to the bargain to avoid future interruptions.