FG Reaffirms Commitment to ASUU Talks, Warns Against New Strikes in Universities

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to resolving all outstanding issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions through a unified and coordinated negotiation process.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while updating journalists on the progress of ongoing discussions between the government and the unions.

Dr. Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee, led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, will receive ASUU’s counteroffer on Thursday as part of efforts to finalise a new agreement.

“Tomorrow, the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed-led committee will receive that counteroffer from ASUU. The committee has reached out to ASUU and other tertiary institution unions to schedule meetings,” the minister said.

He emphasised that President Bola Tinubu has directed that “our children must remain in school,” adding that the administration is working tirelessly to prevent further strikes and stabilise the tertiary education system.

“We must do everything possible to avoid strikes. The government has been working behind the scenes to ensure a robust and affordable response to the unions’ demands,” Dr. Alausa stated.

He acknowledged that many of the issues predate the Tinubu administration but assured that the government has the political will to resolve them permanently.

According to him, the government has now adopted a single, expanded negotiation committee to handle all tertiary institutions — universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education — ensuring better coordination and faster results.

The minister appealed to the unions to remain patient and avoid resorting to industrial action. “Don’t use strike as your first option. These issues have existed for decades, but this administration is committed to fixing them comprehensively and respectfully,” he urged.

Dr. Alausa highlighted key steps already taken by the government, including the release of ₦50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and the inclusion of ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for tertiary institution revitalisation, to be disbursed in three tranches.

He further noted that promotion arrears and wage award payments are being addressed, with all outstanding allowances expected to be cleared by 2026.

“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the Minister of Justice and the Solicitor-General are directly involved in these negotiations to ensure legally sound and lasting agreements,” Dr. Alausa added.

The Yayale Ahmed-led committee, inaugurated earlier this week, is mandated to fast-track talks with unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to achieve a durable solution.

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