Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to resolving the long-standing issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in a sustainable, realistic, and constitutionally backed manner.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to deliver a lasting solution that will prevent future disruptions to the academic calendar.
He stressed that the administration will not endorse “unsustainable agreements” but is determined to pursue accords 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,” said Alausa.
The Minister assured Nigerians that recent ASUU protests would not escalate into strike action, as the government has been engaging the union continuously and constructively.
He noted that progress has already been made on key demands, including the payment and mainstreaming of earned academic allowances, while clarifying that the outstanding 25/35 percent wage arrears will be paid when the Federal Government begins payment to other public servants.
The meeting held in the Ministry recently 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, as well as the Executive Secretary of the NUC, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, the Budget Office, and the Chairman of the Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The meeting 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 that will be presented to the Yayale Ahmed-led Committee for further negotiations with ASUU. Unlike in the past, the Ministry of Justice will be fully involved in the process to ensure that the final agreement aligns with constitutional provisions.
Alausa expressed optimism that with mutual respect and continuous dialogue, the government will deliver a resolution that will end the recurring cycle of disputes and strikes
“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,” the Minister affirmed.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as it works to conclusively close this chapter of recurring disputes with a sustainable agreement that will stand the test of time.
