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The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the representative body for polytechnic lecturers in Nigeria, has called off its two-week nationwide strike.
The strike, which began on December 2, 2024, was initiated over the government’s failure to address key demands aimed at improving the polytechnic education sector.
ASUP President Shammah Kpanja announced the suspension in a statement, directing members to return to work on Monday, December 16, 2024.
He explained that the decision followed a reconciliation meeting on December 9 with officials from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, where a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Kpanja highlighted that the strike was meant to serve as a warning, paving the way for potential indefinite industrial action if unresolved issues persisted.
The union had earlier presented a nine-point work plan to the government, which it claimed had been neglected.
“At the December 9 meeting, both parties signed a new MoU, with an agreement to hold another review session on January 23, 2025, to evaluate compliance and address outstanding issues,” Kpanja said.
He added that ASUP’s National Executive Council would convene after the January meeting to decide on the next steps.
The union previously issued a 15-day ultimatum to the government on October 6, 2024, listing its demands.
However, after failing to receive a satisfactory response, ASUP initiated the strike to pressure the government into action.
Polytechnics across Nigeria are now set to reopen following the suspension of the strike.