ASUU Suspends Niger Delta University Strike After Bayelsa Government Reaches Agreement
Mirian Gom 
BAYELSA, Nigeria – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Niger Delta University (NDU) Branch, has suspended its indefinite strike following a collective bargaining agreement reached with the Bayelsa State Government over the payment of outstanding allowances and other welfare issues.
The decision paves the way for the immediate resumption of academic activities at the Bayelsa State-owned institution after days of industrial action that disrupted teaching and learning.
Speaking at a press briefing in Yenagoa on Saturday, the Chairperson of ASUU-NDU, Dr. Lucky Bebeteidoh, said the union resolved to suspend the strike after both parties signed a binding agreement addressing its major demands.
“The Academic Staff Union of Universities, NDU Branch has suspended its indefinite strike action following the Collective Bargaining Agreement signed between the Bayelsa State Government and the branch,” Bebeteidoh said.
According to the agreement, the Bayelsa State Government will commence payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Professional Allowance from October 2026.
The government also agreed to begin paying the nine months’ arrears of both allowances from January 2027.
In addition, the state committed to settling 19 months’ wage award arrears beginning in January 2027, one of the key demands that triggered the industrial action.
ASUU further disclosed that the agreement guarantees that no member of the union will face victimisation for participating in the strike.
The pact also provides that the union reserves the right to take appropriate action in line with labour laws if the government substantially breaches any part of the agreement.
Despite suspending the strike, ASUU expressed concern over what it described as inadequate funding for Niger Delta University, warning that the current subvention policy was gradually weakening the institution.
Bebeteidoh appealed to Governor Douye Diri to review the funding arrangement to ensure the university can effectively meet its academic and administrative obligations.
He also highlighted the persistent shortage of staff housing, noting that many lecturers commute daily between Yenagoa and Amassoma, covering long distances that affect their productivity.
“The current subvention policy is grinding the university to a halt. We appeal to the state government to review it critically and also provide housing for staff,” he said.
The union argued that improved funding and staff welfare would significantly enhance teaching, research and service delivery at the institution.
With the suspension of the strike, students are expected to return to classrooms as academic activities resume across the university.
ASUU, however, urged the Bayelsa State Government to faithfully implement the terms of the agreement to prevent future industrial disputes and ensure lasting industrial harmony at the institution.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello