The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has restated its commitment to resolving the long-standing issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in a sustainable, realistic, and constitutionally backed way.
Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa CON explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Education, working with relevant agencies, to deliver a lasting solution that will stop future disruptions to the academic calendar. He noted that the administration will not enter into “unsustainable agreements” but will focus on solutions that are practical, affordable, implementable, and constitutionally sound.
“Mr. President has mandated myself and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, to work with all stakeholders to resolve this issue once and for all. Nigerians can be assured that this process is being handled with the highest level of diligence, accountability, and honesty of purpose,” Dr. Alausa stated.
The Minister assured Nigerians that recent ASUU protests would not escalate into strike action. He explained that the Federal Government has been engaging the union continuously and constructively.
He further noted that progress has already been achieved on key demands, including the payment and mainstreaming of earned academic allowances. On the issue of outstanding 35 percent wage arrears, he clarified that payments will be made once government begins payment to other public servants.
The meeting held in Abuja at the Ministry of Education was attended by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Labour and Justice, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, the Budget Office, and the Chairman of the Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The gathering reviewed ASUU’s proposals line by line.
A technical committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Enitan, has been inaugurated to produce a clean counter-draft. The draft will be presented to the Yayale Ahmed-led Committee for further negotiations with ASUU.
Unlike in previous negotiations, the Ministry of Justice will be fully part of the process to ensure that the final agreement is constitutionally compliant.
Dr. Alausa expressed confidence that with mutual respect and continuous dialogue, the government will achieve a resolution that permanently ends the cycle of disputes and strikes affecting universities.
“This government does not want strikes. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu strongly believes that young people are the heartbeat of this nation, and he is determined to keep our children in school. We are committed to this task with sincerity, transparency, and respect for all parties,” he affirmed.
The Federal Government also appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as it works toward closing the chapter of recurring disputes with ASUU. It stressed that a sustainable agreement that will stand the test of time is the ultimate goal of the administration.