ASUU suspends strike conditionally

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday called off its strike, ending a protracted industrial action that started since March 23, 2020.But not without conditions which Federal Government has to adhere to, failure which the union threatened to return without notice.ASUU National President, Biodun Ogunyemi made the announcement during a briefing of the union in Abuja, explaining that the development followed consultations with its National Executive Council (NEC).The decision to suspend the nine-month strike was announced in the early hours on Wednesday morning after eight hours close door meeting of negotiations between the Federal Government and the union.ASUU expressed joy on how the Federal Government handled the negotiation process.While warning that the union would return to strike without notice if the government fails in meeting its part of the agreement reached with the university lecturers, Ogunyemi noted that the reopening of the schools, considering the COVID-19 pandemic, lies with the FG and Senate.Professor Ogunyemi thanked students and their parents for their understanding throughout the 10-month period and said: “no amount of sacrifice would be too much to get the matter resolved as long as the government is consistent with its commitments.”The union however gave government conditions for its members to resume their duties.ASUU President said lecturers would return to classes when government provide conducive teaching environment in line with COVID-19 protocols.Ogunyemi said: “We usually said we did not close the universities, government remains the owner of the universities, be it state or federal.“As far as we are concerned, we are ready to resume classes. But government should make the environment conducive for us to work within the context of the emerging trend of COVID-19.“So, we can’t tell government not to open but we have the right to insist that the COVID-19 protocols should be observed and the requirements for observing the protocols should be met.”