By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to resolving all outstanding issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) through constructive dialogue and sustained engagement, while cautioning against any action capable of disrupting the academic calendar.
In a joint statement issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, the government emphasized that it has demonstrated sincerity, patience, and goodwill in ongoing discussions with ASUU, noting that most of the union’s demands have already been addressed.
According to the statement, the government has implemented significant improvements in the conditions of service of academic staff, including a substantial increase in teaching allowances. The few remaining issues, the Ministers noted, are internal matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the newly reconstituted governing councils of the respective universities.
Government Meets Commitments, Calls for Fairness
The Ministers expressed disappointment that, despite government’s efforts and adherence to agreed timelines in presenting its position to the union, ASUU has chosen to embark on strike action instead of continuing dialogue.
“This decision does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to students and the Nigerian public,” the statement read. “The government has shown clear commitment and taken concrete steps to address the union’s concerns.”
They reaffirmed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government remains fully committed to ensuring the welfare of university staff and the stability of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Dialogue, Not Disruption
Reiterating that dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable means of resolving disagreements, the Ministers urged ASUU and other academic unions to embrace partnership over confrontation.
“The government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector,” they stated.
However, the Ministers cautioned that the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy remains an extant labour law in Nigeria and will be applied should any academic union disrupt academic activities. They stressed that while the government continues to show goodwill and flexibility, it also has a duty to uphold accountability and fairness in the use of public resources.
Commitment to Stability and Reform
The statement reassured Nigerian students, parents, and the general public of the Federal Government’s firm commitment to maintaining industrial harmony and safeguarding the academic calendar.
The Ministers reiterated that ongoing education reforms aim to:
- Enhance teaching and research conditions;
- Strengthen university governance and institutional autonomy; and
- Foster a culture of mutual respect, productivity, and innovation within the academic community.
They appealed to ASUU to reconsider its position and return to the dialogue table in the collective interest of students and the future of Nigeria’s education system.
