After a cat-and mouse game that has lasted over five months, the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) and the Nigerian Government this evening finally sealed a deal to end the strike that has crippled the country’s public universities since July 1.

The breakthrough came 24 hours after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) confirmed that a sum of N200 billion agreed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU)at a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on November 5 had been fully paid into a Revitalization of Universities Infrastructure Account.

Rising from a fruitful meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, and ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Fagge, confirmed to newsmen that both parties had signed a Memorandum of Understanding ending the strike.

Fagge disclosed that the delegation would brief the union’s National Executive Committee before announcing a date for the resumption of classes.

ASUU embarked on the strike following government’s failure to implement a funding agreement signed with the union in 2009.

•Photo shows ASUU President Fagge.