The Federal Government has restated its determination to end the 16-year dispute with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and ensure uninterrupted academic activities in Nigerian universities.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Education said the Tinubu administration is committed to resolving the long-standing issues with ASUU “in a sustainable, realistic, and constitutionally backed manner.”
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, noted that President Bola Tinubu had directed him and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, to work with stakeholders to bring the matter to a permanent resolution. “Nigerians can be assured that this process is being handled with the highest level of diligence, accountability, and honesty of purpose,” he said.
The Ministry dismissed fears of an imminent strike, assuring that recent ASUU protests would not escalate. It said progress had been made on key demands, including the payment and mainstreaming of earned academic allowances, while outstanding 35 percent wage arrears would be settled alongside other public servants.
A high-level meeting in Abuja brought together the Ministers of Education and Labour, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, top government officials, and heads of key agencies such as the NUC, TETFund, and the Salaries and Wages Commission. The meeting reviewed ASUU’s proposals line by line.
The government also inaugurated a technical committee, chaired by Education Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan, to produce a counter-draft agreement for further negotiations. Unlike in previous efforts, the Ministry of Justice will be fully involved to ensure the final agreement aligns with the constitution.
Dr. Alausa reiterated that the government is committed to avoiding future strikes. “President Tinubu strongly believes that young people are the heartbeat of this nation, and he is determined to keep our children in school,” he said.
The Ministry urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as it works to secure a lasting resolution to the ASUU dispute.
