The various branches of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have voted overwhelmingly to suspend the ongoing eight months strike.

The branches summoned congresses based on the directive of the national body on Wednesday and members resolved to ask the National Executive Council (NEC) to suspend the industrial action.

The decisions of the various congresses of ASUU will be tabled and discussed at an emergency NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday in Abuja.

A principal officer of the union stated that each congress was briefed by the chairmen on the outcome of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabimila meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

He revealed that: “A major outcome of the Speaker’s meeting with Mr. President is the acceptance of the Federal Government to pay four months out of the eight months salaries after ASUU suspends the strike.

“The president agreed that the remaining four months outstanding salaries will be paid before the end of the years to academic staff in federal universities,” he said, adding that it was based on this that the various congresses voted overwhelmingly to suspend the strike and the decision will be taken to NEC meeting for ratification.

The ASUU official disclosed that NEC will certainly demand that the government offer be documented and signed so that it will not generate another crisis.

On other outstanding demands, he said ASUU position on new payment platform, revitalization fund and signing of the Nimi Briggs re-negotiation agreement has not changed.

“Those critical outstanding demands are sacrosanct. It is crucial to the survival of public universities. We hope when the strike is suspended, government will put machinery in motion to conclude the re-negotiation and both parties sign the agreement,” he stated.

According to him, many of the branch chairmen are on their way to Abuja for the crucial NEC meeting but he was silent on when the universities will reopen for academic activities.

“The issue of resumption will be decided by NEC after consultation. It is the sole responsibility of NEC and members will comply,” he said.

ASUU on February 14 asked members to down tool after several discussions with government failed to yield positive result.

The union rolled over the strike twice and in August, it directed members to embark on total, comprehensive and indefinite strike to press home their demands.

The Federal Government dragged ASUU to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), which ordered the union to resume work.

Not satisfied with the industrial court ruling, ASUU headed to the Appeal of Court, which reaffirmed the lower court ruling and asked them to resume work within seven days.

However, the Federal Government took a major decision when it registered two new unions in the Nigerian University System (NUS), thus whittle down the power and influence of ASUU. (Daily Sun)

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