The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abia State University chapter, has suspended its three-week-old indefinite strike, directing its members to resume academic duties immediately.
The union, however, gave the university management a seven-day ultimatum to recall a suspended lecturer, Prof. Nnamdi Nwaeze, warning that failure to do so could lead to the resumption of the industrial action.
The decision was reached at the union’s congress held on Friday, August 28, 2026, following what ASUU described as a careful assessment of developments since the commencement of the strike.
In a statement signed by the branch Chairperson, Dr Chidi S. Mba, and Secretary, Dr Victor U. Obisike, the union said some of the major issues that prompted the strike had been addressed.
According to the union, the full implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU salary structure, including the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, had been reflected in the August 2026 salaries of academic staff at the university.
ASUU-ABSU also said the outstanding arrears of check-off dues owed to the union had been paid.
The union described the implementation of the new salary structure as a significant milestone in improving the welfare of academic staff and commended the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for his intervention.
The statement said, “The Branch therefore expresses its profound appreciation to the Visitor to Abia State University and Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR, whose goodwill, responsiveness and intervention ensured the full implementation of the New Salary Structure in the University.”
ASUU-ABSU further claimed that Otti was the first governor in the South-East to fully implement the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement, including the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, Earned Academic Allowance and Professorial Allowance for academic staff of the state-owned university.
Despite the suspension of the strike, the union said some issues affecting its members remained unresolved. It particularly expressed concern over the continued suspension of Nwaeze and demanded his immediate recall.
The union resolved to give the university management until Friday, September 4, 2026, to recall Nwaeze and lift his suspension. It warned that failure to meet the deadline would leave the union with “no option” but to resume the suspended industrial action.
The union also thanked its members for their unity, resilience and support throughout the three-week strike, saying their collective resolve contributed to the progress recorded.
ASUU-ABSU said it remained committed to constructive engagement with the relevant authorities towards resolving all outstanding issues and promoting the development of the university.
