ESUT lecturers suspend strike after government agrees to increase funding

Lecturers at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) have ended a two-week warning strike after reaching an agreement with the state government. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at ESUT announced the suspension on Monday, following an emergency congress.

The lecturers had initiated the industrial action on August 14, citing issues such as unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and inadequate welfare for members. This strike followed a one-month ultimatum that expired without a response from university authorities.

The core of the agreement involves the Enugu State Government increasing its monthly subvention to the university from ₦161 million to ₦276 million. Governor Peter Mbah approved an additional ₦115 million in monthly funding, aiming to bolster the university's capacity to meet its financial obligations to staff.

The ASUU-ESUT's decision to suspend the strike was made in accordance with the union's principles of negotiation and collective bargaining. The suspension is conditional on the government's faithful implementation of all agreed provisions, including the phased rollout of the 2025 federal government of Nigeria (FGN)/ASUU agreement in ESUT, starting September 1 and concluding in January 2027. A Joint Implementation Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, will oversee the agreement's progress. The agreement also addresses the review and liquidation of Earned Academic Allowance arrears and other staff entitlements.

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The union will remain vigilant and shall constitute a monitoring mechanism to ensure strict adherence to timelines and deliverables as agreed.