Kabiru Haruna
Minister Alausa Reaffirms Federal Government’s Commitment to Peaceful Resolution with ASUU, Urges Patience to Avert Strike
In a decisive and reassuring press briefing held earlier today, Minister of Education, Dr. Maaruf Olatunji Alausa, provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
No Pay, No Work: ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike Nationwide
The Minister emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to resolving long-standing issues affecting tertiary education and preventing further disruptions to academic activities.
Dr. Alausa disclosed that a meeting of the Technical Working Group, including representatives from the Salary and Wages Commission, the Budget Office, and the soon-to-join Ministry of Labour and Employment, is currently finalizing the government’s counter-offer in response to ASUU’s demands.
This proposal is expected to be submitted imminently to the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed-led Federal Government Expanded Negotiation Committee.
No Pay, No Work: ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike Nationwide
“The President has given us a clear directive: our children must remain in school. We must do everything humanly possible to avert a strike,” the Minister stated.
He acknowledged that many of the issues raised by ASUU and other unions stem from more than a decade of neglect. However, he credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for having the political will and sincerity to address these issues holistically and sustainably.
The Minister also highlighted a significant policy shift — a unified negotiation committee that now engages all tertiary institutions and their respective unions, both academic and non-academic. According to Dr. Alausa, about 80% of the unions’ requests across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education are similar, while the remaining 20% pertain to institution-specific concerns.
“This committee was inaugurated on Monday and began working immediately. We’ve promised to act expeditiously and comprehensively,” he noted.
In response to concerns over financial constraints, Dr. Alausa assured the public that while the government may not meet every demand instantly, substantial efforts are being made to improve staff welfare. Key milestones include:
Payment of earned academic allowances following the release of ₦50 billion by the President
Provision of ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessments of tertiary institutions — ₦50 billion of which is already available
Resolution of promotion arrears and wage award issues, with full payments scheduled to be completed by 2026
Settlement of various allowances, including teaching allowances
He further appealed to ASUU and sister unions to exercise patience and continue engaging in dialogue rather than resorting to industrial action.
“We’re sincere and transparent. The administration of President Tinubu has demonstrated goodwill and commitment over the last 24 months. This is the first time the Ministry of Justice is directly involved in the negotiation process — it shows how seriously we’re taking this,” Dr. Alausa concluded.
The Minister called on members of the press to acknowledge the efforts being made behind the scenes and to help convey the government’s genuine intent to bring about lasting reform in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.