The Enugu State Government has appealed to lecturers at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to call off their ongoing strike following a fresh increase in the institution’s monthly government funding.

The state government said Governor Peter Mbah approved an additional N115 million for the university, taking its monthly subvention from N161 million to N276 million.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed the development in a statement and urged members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ESUT chapter, to return to the classrooms while discussions continue on unresolved issues.

According to Onyia, the additional funding is intended to improve the university’s ability to meet its financial commitments, particularly its obligations to staff, and support the implementation of the salary agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government.

He appealed to the striking lecturers to consider the government’s intervention and resume teaching, stressing that students should not bear the consequences of disputes that can be resolved through dialogue.

The latest intervention brings the total increase in the state’s monthly support for ESUT to N140 million since February 2026.

Before the February intervention, the state government was providing N136 million monthly to the university. An additional N25 million was subsequently approved for the ESUT College of Medicine (ESUCOM) to assist with the payment of 120 additional workers, bringing the monthly support to N161 million.

The newly approved N115 million takes the figure to N276 million.

The state government described the increase as evidence of its commitment to improving workers’ welfare and maintaining uninterrupted academic activities at the university.

Onyia said the additional resources would strengthen ESUT’s financial position and assist the institution in meeting its obligations to both staff and students. He also noted that the funding would support efforts to implement the salary agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government.

While calling for the suspension of the strike, the SSG encouraged ASUU and the university management to continue negotiations on outstanding matters.

He expressed concern about the effect of the industrial action on the academic calendar and the students whose studies have been disrupted.

According to him, the state government wants all parties to work together to restore normal academic activities as quickly as possible.

Onyia also reiterated Governor Mbah’s commitment to the continued development of ESUT, assuring the university community that the state would provide support within the limits of available resources.

He called on ASUU, ESUT management and other stakeholders to prioritise the interests of students and work towards a lasting resolution that will guarantee stable and quality education at the institution.