The Federal Government has pledged a permanent resolution to the 16-year dispute with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), assuring that Nigeria’s universities will no longer be disrupted by strikes.
In a statement posted on its official Twitter handle, the Ministry of Education emphasized that agreements would be realistic, sustainable, and constitutionally backed.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had issued clear directives to end the recurring crisis. He explained that both he and Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, have been mandated to engage all stakeholders to ensure stability in the nation’s higher education system.
Addressing concerns over recent ASUU protests, the Ministry reassured Nigerians that universities will not be shut down. According to Dr. Alausa, government engagement with the union remains continuous and constructive, with significant progress made on issues such as earned academic allowances.
The Ministry clarified that while the outstanding 35 percent wage arrears remain, they will be settled once payments to other public servants commence. It further revealed that mainstreaming of earned allowances into university payrolls has already begun, demonstrating the administration’s intent to meet commitments.
Details from a high-level meeting in Abuja showed active involvement of top government officials and agencies in reviewing ASUU’s proposals. Attendees included the Ministers of Education and Labour, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries, the Executive Secretaries of NUC and TETFund, the Budget Office, and the Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
A technical committee, chaired by Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan, has been inaugurated to produce a clean counter-draft agreement. Unlike past negotiations, the Ministry of Justice will be fully involved to ensure the final deal is legally sound and constitutionally compliant.
Dr. Alausa stressed that the administration is committed to preventing future ASUU strikes, noting that President Tinubu sees young Nigerians as the nation’s heartbeat. He assured that the government is pursuing this resolution with transparency, accountability, and mutual respect for all stakeholders.
The Ministry concluded by urging Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as negotiations near a lasting conclusion. It emphasized that the ultimate goal is a sustainable agreement capable of closing a chapter of recurring disputes and securing uninterrupted academic calendars.
