The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving all outstanding issues with university-based unions, assuring that the reconstituted Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Expanded Negotiation Committee will reach a sustainable agreement beneficial to all stakeholders.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that every effort must be made to prevent further disruptions in the nation’s academic calendar.
‘The president’s directive is clear – we must avoid strikes and ensure that our children remain in school,’ Alausa said, urging the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned industrial action.
The minister explained that the government is finalising its counter-offer to ASUU and other university unions, adding that the current administration has the political will to end disputes that have persisted for over a decade. He confirmed that the Expanded Negotiation Committee, inaugurated on Monday, has already begun engaging union leaders to achieve a fair and lasting settlement.
Alausa revealed that President Tinubu has approved N150 billion in the 2025 budget to be released in three tranches to enhance teachers’ welfare and address part of the unions’ long-standing demands. He also assured that by 2026, all outstanding arrears, including the 25 percent wage award, would be fully paid.
‘While we may not meet every demand at once, the government is committed to providing substantial improvements and handling the process with sincerity and trust,’ he said.
ASUU recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government following its National Executive Council meeting at the University of Abuja on September 28. The union’s seven-point demands include re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, revitalization of universities, payment of outstanding salary arrears, and resolution of third-party deductions.
Dr. Alausa noted that 80 percent of ASUU’s demands have already been met, appealing for patience and cooperation. He reaffirmed that the government’s priority remains keeping students in school and ensuring lasting peace and stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.