The union, however, condemned the attempt by the federal government to turn the academics into casual workers through the so-called ‘pro-rata’ payment for 18 days.

In a press statement on Tuesday after the end of the NEC meeting, the ASUU national president, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, noted that the University teachers are intellectuals and not casual workers.

He said the Union suspended its eight-month strike on October 14, 2022 in obedience to the order of the National Industrial Court and in further consideration of intervention efforts of well-meaning Nigerians, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Osodeke noted that the action of the Union was a display of manifest trust in the judiciary and other institutions and organs of government to always put national interest above all other considerations.