Lecturers of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have suspended their ongoing industrial action following a fresh agreement with the Enugu State Government that will raise the university’s monthly subvention to N276 million.
The agreement, reached between the Enugu State Government, ESUT Management and ASUU-ESUT, provides for an additional N115 million monthly subvention to the university to support salary and welfare obligations. The lecturers have consequently been directed to return to their duty posts, while students have been urged to resume academic activities.
The suspension followed approval granted by the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU after it deliberated on the terms of the Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the three parties on August 20, 2026.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency congress of the union and signed by the Acting Chairman of ASUU-ESUT, Comrade Andrew C. Apeh, the lecturers said the decision was taken in line with the union’s principles of negotiation, collective bargaining and due process. The union, however, warned that the suspension remained conditional on the faithful implementation of all the provisions contained in the agreement.
According to the communiqué, “Following the signing of the Tripartite Understanding (MOU) on 20th August, 2026 between the Enugu State Government, ESUT Management, and ASUU-ESUT, the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU has deliberated on the terms contained therein.
“In line with our Union’s principles of negotiation, collective bargaining, and due process, NEC has approved 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.”
A major component of the agreement, the union said, was the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)/ASUU agreement in ESUT, with the phased rollout commencing on September 1, 2026, and concluding on January 23, 2027. The agreement also provides for an increase in the university’s monthly subvention by N115 million, bringing the total to N276 million.
According to the lecturers, the increased funding is expected to strengthen the university’s capacity to meet its salary and welfare obligations. The MOU further provides for the establishment of a Joint Implementation Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, to oversee the implementation and completion of the various components of the agreement.
The union also said the agreement provides for the review and liquidation of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) arrears and other outstanding staff entitlements, alongside measures aimed at strengthening institutional financial accountability. It added that third-party deductions amounting to more than N31 million would be immediately remitted to the accounts of ASUU-ESUT and the Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO).
The lecturers expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Mbah for what they described as a decisive intervention in the dispute.
“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,” the statement said.
The union also commended the government for directing ESUT Management against victimising union members or leaders on account of their union activities.
“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,” it added.
Describing the agreement as historic for the South-East, ASUU-ESUT said Enugu State had taken the lead in committing to the full implementation of the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement.
“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,” ASUU-ESUT stated.
The union also appreciated the NEC of ASUU for its guidance, solidarity and intervention throughout the dispute. It, however, stressed that the agreement would only achieve its purpose if all parties remained committed to its implementation.
“The ball is now in the court of all parties to ensure faithful implementation. ASUU-ESUT expects full compliance without delay or deviation,” the union said.
The lecturers said their congress would reconvene at the appropriate time to review progress on the implementation of the agreement. With the suspension of the strike, ASUU-ESUT called on its members to return to their duty posts and urged ESUT students to resume academic activities in earnest.
