By Amaechi Agbo

On Monday, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, announced immediate suspension of its two-week warning strike at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT.

Announcing the suspension during a press briefing in Enugu, the Acting Chairman of ASUU-ESUT, Dr Andrew Apeh, said the decision to call off the strike followed the signing of the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 20, 2026 between the Enugu State Government, ESUT Management, and ASUU-ESUT.

Dr Apeh further informed the media that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union has deliberated on the terms contained in the MoU and gave the green light on suspension.

He said the NEC noted the commitment of the Visitor to the University, Dr Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State to implement the agreement and directed the branch to call off the strike without delay.

“In line with our Union’s principles of negotiation, collective bargaining, and due process, NEC has granted approval for ASUU-ESUT to suspend the ongoing industrial action with immediate effect, in deference to the commitments secured and to the plea of our Visitor.

“The suspension is therefore contingent on the good faith implementation of all items contained in the MOU.

“The Union will remain vigilant and shall constitute a monitoring mechanism to ensure strict adherence to timelines and deliverables as agreed,” Dr Apeh said.

ESUT Monitor can report that the union considered, five critical factors in arriving at the decision to call off the strike. These factors include: Implementation of the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement in ESUT with phased rollout commencing 1st September, 2026 and concluding 23rd January, 2027;

Increased Monthly Subvention to ESUT by ₦115,000,000.00, raising the total to ₦276,000,000.00 to support salary and welfare obligations;

Establishment of a Joint Implementation Committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government to oversee and perfect all components of the agreement;

Review and Liquidation of EAA Arrears and other outstanding staff entitlements, with a commitment to institutional financial accountability, and Immediate Remittance of Third-Party Deductions totaling over N31m to ASUU-ESUT and NUPEMCO accounts.

To this end, ASUU-ESUT Chairman appreciated the state government’s decisive steps in ensuring that the strike didn’t linger for longer and called on members to resume duties immediately.

“ASUU-ESUT acknowledges the decisive intervention of the Enugu State Government under His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. The approval to domesticate the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the immediate increase in subvention represent a significant step toward addressing long-standing welfare issues in ESUT.

“We also note with appreciation the directive of Government to ESUT Management against any victimization of Union members or leaders on account of Union activities. This aligns with the core democratic tenets of our Union.“This development is historic for the South East. For context, during the implementation of CONUASS in the past, the South East Zone was the last to comply.

“Today, Enugu State has taken the lead in committing to the full implementation of the 2025 Agreement. This provides a new template for industrial harmony in the zone.

“The Union also appreciates NEC of ASUU for its steadfast guidance, solidarity, and timely intervention throughout the period of the struggle.

“The ball is now in the court of all parties to ensure faithful implementation. ASUU-ESUT expects full compliance without delay or deviation.“Congress will reconvene to review progress at the appropriate time.

“We call on all members to return to their duty posts and for students to resume academic activities in earnest.”