The Federal Government has reiterated its firm commitment to achieving a lasting and holistic resolution to the long-standing industrial dispute with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
In a press briefing held in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maaruf Olatunji Alausa, assured the nation that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains resolute in ensuring uninterrupted academic activities across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
“The President has given us a clear directive — our children must remain in school. We must do everything humanly possible to avert another strike,”— Dr. Maaruf Olatunji Alausa, Honourable Minister of Education
Dr. Alausa disclosed that the Technical Working Group, comprising the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the soon-to-join Ministry of Labour and Employment, is finalizing the government’s counter-offer to ASUU’s demands. The proposal will be presented to the Expanded Federal Government Negotiation Committee, chaired by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, for final review and harmonization.
The Minister highlighted that many of the issues raised by ASUU have persisted for over a decade but assured that the Tinubu administration is committed to resolving them decisively and sustainably.
Unified Negotiation Framework
Dr. Alausa announced a new policy direction through the establishment of a unified negotiation committee that engages with all tertiary education unions academic and non-academic alike. According to him, about 80% of union demands are common across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, while the remaining 20% are institution-specific and will be addressed accordingly.
“The committee began work immediately upon inauguration. We are acting with urgency and a shared sense of purpose,” the Minister said.
Financial Commitments and Reforms
He further outlined key fiscal commitments already approved by President Tinubu to strengthen the education sector, including:
₦50 billion released for payment of Earned Academic Allowances
₦150 billion provisioned in the 2025 budget for Needs Assessment of tertiary institutions — ₦50 billion of which is already available
Resolution of promotion arrears and wage awards, with full payment projected for 2026
Settlement of various teaching and related allowances
Dr. Alausa emphasized that while not all demands can be addressed instantly, government actions are guided by transparency, equity, and fiscal responsibility.
“This is the first time the Ministry of Justice is directly involved in the negotiation process a demonstration of the administration’s sincerity and commitment to enduring peace in the education sector,” he noted.
Appeal for Dialogue and Collaboration
The Minister appealed to ASUU and other unions to sustain ongoing dialogue and exercise patience as the government works towards solutions that guarantee long-term stability in the system.
He called on the media to help communicate the Federal Government’s genuine efforts and progress, noting that the Tinubu administration’s reforms are aimed at ending the recurrent cycle of industrial actions “once and for all.”
“Our focus is clear — sustainable reforms that protect students’ learning and strengthen our national development goals,”— Dr. Alausa concluded.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
