FG moves to end 16-year university dispute, assures no imminent ASUU strike

By Kunle Sanni –

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the longstanding dispute with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), pledging to reach a sustainable agreement that will prevent future disruptions to the academic calendar.

Minister of State for Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed on Thursday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Education to work with relevant agencies to deliver a constitutionally sound solution. He stressed that the administration would not sign “unsustainable agreements” but would instead pursue realistic and implementable accords.

“Mr. President has mandated myself and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, to work with all stakeholders to resolve this issue once and for all. Nigerians can be assured that this process is being handled with the highest level of diligence, accountability, and honesty of purpose,” Alausa said.

The Minister assured Nigerians that recent ASUU protests would not escalate into strikes, noting that the government has constructively engaged the union and made progress on key demands. He revealed that earned academic allowances have been mainstreamed into university budgets, while outstanding 25/35 percent wage arrears will be cleared when payments to other public servants commence.

At a high-level meeting in Abuja on Thursday, officials from the Ministries of Education, Labour and Justice, the National Universities Commission, TETFund, the Budget Office, and the Salaries and Wages Commission reviewed ASUU’s proposals line by line. A technical committee led by Education Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan was inaugurated to produce a counter-draft agreement for submission to the Yayale Ahmed-led negotiation team.

For the first time, the Ministry of Justice will be fully involved in the process to ensure that the final deal aligns with constitutional provisions. This move, officials said, would help eliminate legal loopholes that have undermined past agreements.

Dr. Alausa expressed optimism that with mutual respect and dialogue, the government would finally end the recurring cycle of strikes in the nation’s universities. “This government does not want strikes. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu strongly believes that young people are the heartbeat of this nation, and he is determined to keep our children in school,” he added.

The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as it works toward a lasting resolution to the 16-year dispute that has repeatedly disrupted higher education across the country.