The Federal Government of Nigeria has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its planned industrial strike, stressing that constructive dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable way to resolve all outstanding issues in the country’s tertiary education sector.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, stated that the Federal Government has made a comprehensive offer to the union and is currently awaiting ASUU’s official response.
According to the statement, the government’s proposal addresses the union’s major concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare. The Ministers revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has approved a robust Teaching Allowance to reflect the true value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities.
“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled. The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement read.
They noted that the government has demonstrated sincerity through prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector. However, ASUU has not reciprocated the same commitment and appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing talks.
The Ministers reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system. They stated that ongoing reforms in the sector are built on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence.
While restating respect for university autonomy, the Ministers clarified that certain parts of ASUU’s demands—particularly those involving internal governance, appointments, and promotions—are statutory responsibilities of university governing councils. They urged the union to allow these issues to be handled at the institutional level according to existing laws and regulations.
They also reminded the union that the “No Work, No Pay” principle remains a standing provision of Nigerian labour law, warning that the Federal Government will enforce it if ASUU proceeds with the strike.
“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” the statement warned.
The Ministers assured Nigerians that the government remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders. They stressed that consistent government interventions show a clear commitment to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and maintaining uninterrupted academic calendars.
“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” they added.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes. The Federal Government remains open to discussion and is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms,” the Ministers concluded.
However, in a counter statement earlier, ASUU insisted that nothing concrete had been done to halt the implementation of its resolution to embark on a two-week warning strike following the expiration of the 14-day notice issued on 28th September 2025.
“Compatriots of the Press, it is evident that nothing concrete has been done to halt the implementation of the resolution reached by ASUU-NEC to embark on a two-week warning strike following the expiration of the 14-day notice issued on 28th September 2025,” the union stated.
Accordingly, ASUU directed all its branches to withdraw their services effective from midnight on Monday, 13th October 2025.
“This warning strike, as resolved at the last NEC meeting, shall be total and comprehensive,” the union declared.