ASUU-NDU Suspends Strike As State Govt Meet Demands

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Niger Delta University (NDU) Branch, has suspended its indefinite strike following an agreement reached with the Bayelsa State Government over the implementation of outstanding allowances and wage award arrears owed to academic staff.

Hotnews reports that the suspension of the industrial action followed the state government’s approval for the commencement of payment of the Consolidated Academic Teachers’ Allowance (CATA) and Professional Allowance to eligible academic staff of the institution from October 2026.

Under the agreement reached with the union, the Bayelsa State Government also approved the payment of nine months’ arrears of CATA and Professional Allowance, with payment scheduled to commence from January 2027.

In addition, the government approved the payment of 19 months’ outstanding wage award arrears to the affected university workers, also beginning from January 2027.

The development is expected to pave the way for the resumption of academic activities at Niger Delta University and bring relief to students, parents and staff who had been affected by the industrial action.

Addressing journalists on Friday in Yenagoa, the ASUU-NDU Chairperson, Lucky Bebeteidoh, disclosed that the union decided to suspend the strike after both parties signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) outlining commitments on the implementation of the agreed demands.

Bebeteidoh explained that the agreement provided a framework for resolving the outstanding financial obligations and other issues that had led to the industrial action.

He said the decision to suspend the strike followed assurances and concrete commitments by the state government towards implementing the provisions contained in the agreement.

The ASUU-NDU leadership expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government for engaging the union in dialogue and demonstrating willingness to address the concerns of university lecturers.

The agreement is also seen as an important step towards strengthening industrial harmony between the government and the academic community, particularly at a time when sustained disruptions in the university system could negatively affect students’ academic calendars.

With the suspension of the strike, attention is expected to shift towards the implementation of the agreed payment schedules and other provisions contained in the CBA.

The development underscores the importance of sustained dialogue and collective bargaining in resolving labour disputes and ensuring uninterrupted academic activities in Bayelsa State’s tertiary institutions.

The government’s commitment to commencing the payment of CATA and Professional Allowance from October 2026, alongside the planned settlement of the nine months’ allowance arrears and 19 months’ wage award arrears from January 2027, is expected to further boost confidence among academic staff and contribute to a more stable industrial relationship at Niger Delta University.

~ Hot News Reporters
Saturday 29, August, 2026