ASUU-ABSU Suspends 3-week Strike, Directs Lecturers to Resume Duties

Union Hails Gov. Otti For Implementing 2025 Salary Structure, Gives 1-Week Ultimatum Over Suspended Professor

UTURU, Abia State – The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abia State University Branch (ASUU-ABSU), has suspended its three-week-old indefinite strike with immediate effect.

The suspension was announced on Friday, August 28, 2026, following a congress of the union.

In a press release signed by Chairperson, Dr. Chidi S. Mba, and Secretary, Dr. Victor U. Obisike, the union said the decision followed “concrete steps taken towards addressing some of the major issues” that led to the industrial action.

Key among them is the full implementation of the 2025 FGN–ASUU salary structure, including the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which the union said has now been reflected in the August 2026 salaries of academic staff.

The union also acknowledged the payment of outstanding arrears of check-off dues owed to the union.

ASUU-ABSU described the implementation of the new salary structure as “a significant milestone in the improvement of the welfare of academic staff.”

The union expressed appreciation to the Visitor to ABSU and Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti for his intervention.

“The Union notes particularly and appreciates that the Governor of Abia State is the first among the Governors in the South-East States of Nigeria to fully implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement with CATA, EAA and Professorial Allowance for academic staff of the State-owned University,” the statement read.

It added that the Governor’s action demonstrates “responsive and people-oriented governance” and commitment to the welfare of staff and stability of ABSU.

While suspending the strike, Congress noted that other issues remain unresolved.

The union expressed “serious concern over the continued suspension of Prof. Nnamdi Nwaeze” and gave the University Management one week, until Friday, September 4, 2026, to recall him.

“Failure by the University Management to recall him within the stipulated period will leave the Union with no option but to resume the suspended industrial action,” ASUU-ABSU warned.

Consequently, the Branch has directed all members to resume academic duties with immediate effect.

The leadership appreciated members for their “unity, resilience, sacrifice and unwavering support” during the three weeks of action.

“We remain committed to constructive engagement in the pursuit of the welfare of our members and the overall development of Abia State University,” the statement concluded.

The suspension is expected to restore normal academic activities at Abia State University, Uturu.