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ASUU Suspends Three-Week Strike at Abia State University, Gives Management One Week to Recall Suspended Professor
ASUU Suspends Three-Week Strike at Abia State University, Gives Management One Week to Recall Suspended Professor
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abia State University (ABSU) Branch, has suspended its three-week-old indefinite strike, directing members to immediately return to their academic duties.
The decision was reached at a Congress meeting held on Friday, August 28, 2026, following what the union described as a careful assessment of developments since the commencement of the industrial action.
In a statement signed by the Branch Chairperson, Dr Chidi S. Mba, and Secretary, Dr Victor U. Obisike, ASUU-ABSU said the suspension of the strike was largely influenced by concrete steps taken towards resolving some of the issues that triggered the industrial action.
A major breakthrough highlighted by the union is the full implementation of the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria–ASUU salary structure for academic staff of the university.
According to the union, the new salary structure, including the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), has been reflected in the August 2026 salaries of academic staff at Abia State University.
The union also acknowledged the payment of outstanding check-off dues owed to it, describing the developments as significant progress in addressing some of the concerns raised by academic staff.
ASUU-ABSU particularly commended the Visitor to Abia State University and Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR, for what it described as his intervention and responsiveness in ensuring the implementation of the new salary structure.
The union said Governor Otti had become the first governor among the South-East states to fully implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement, including CATA, Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and Professorial Allowance for academic staff of a state-owned university.
ASUU-ABSU described the development as a significant milestone in improving the welfare of academic staff and promoting stability within the university system.
The union said it “does not take this significant gesture for granted,” while commending the governor for what it described as responsive and people-oriented governance and his commitment to the welfare of academic staff and the continued growth of the institution.
Following extensive deliberations, Congress resolved to suspend the industrial action with immediate effect on Friday, August 28, and directed all members to resume their academic responsibilities.
However, the suspension of the strike is not without conditions.
ASUU-ABSU said several other issues affecting its members remain unresolved and expressed confidence that ongoing discussions with the relevant authorities would produce peaceful solutions.
The union singled out the continued suspension of Prof. Nnamdi Nwaeze as a matter of serious concern, insisting that the issue must be resolved without further delay.
Consequently, Congress has given the university management a seven-day ultimatum to recall Prof. Nwaeze and lift his suspension.
The deadline, according to the union, is Friday, September 4, 2026.
ASUU warned that failure by the university management to recall the suspended professor within the stipulated period could trigger a fresh round of industrial action.
“Failure by the University Management to recall him within the stipulated period will leave the Union with no option but to resume the suspended industrial action,” the union stated.
The development effectively brings the three-week disruption to academic activities at ABSU to an end, at least temporarily, with lecturers expected to return to classrooms and other academic responsibilities immediately.
ASUU-ABSU also used the opportunity to appreciate its members for their unity, resilience and sacrifice throughout the three weeks of the strike, saying the progress recorded would not have been possible without their collective resolve.
The union maintained that it remains committed to constructive engagement with the university authorities and other stakeholders in pursuit of improved welfare for its members and the overall development of Abia State University.
It urged its members to remain united, vigilant and committed to the ideals of the union as efforts continue to resolve the outstanding issues.
The statement ended with the union’s familiar declaration: “Aluta Continua! Victoria Ascerta!”
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