The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has officially ended its two-week strike, directing members nationwide to return to their duties starting Monday, December 16, 2024.

The strike, which began as a warning against unresolved trade disputes, was suspended after the union reached a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment during a conciliatory meeting on December 9.

The industrial action, initiated on December 2, 2024, was meant to signal the union’s dissatisfaction with the government’s inability to address nine critical issues outlined in a jointly developed work plan. ASUP had warned that the strike could escalate into an indefinite shutdown of polytechnics across the country if their demands remained unmet.

ASUP President Kpanja Shamnah, in a statement, emphasized the urgency of resolving the trade disputes to prevent further disruptions in the education sector.

During the meeting on December 9, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment facilitated discussions that led to the signing of a new MoU. The agreement includes provisions for another meeting scheduled for January 23, 2025, to review compliance with the terms and address any lingering issues.

“This meeting on January 23 will be pivotal for assessing progress and ensuring all parties remain committed to the resolutions,” Shamnah stated.

Following the agreement, ASUP’s National Executive Council instructed members to return to work on December 16, expressing gratitude for their resilience and commitment during the strike.

The union also urged the government to act diligently and fulfill its obligations to avoid further disruptions. “It is our Union’s hope that the government will work toward a fruitful resolution of the issues in dispute,” the statement concluded.