The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has clarified that there is no binding agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), addressing misconceptions surrounding ongoing protests by the union.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Alausa explained that the Federal Government had not signed any enforceable agreement with ASUU. Contrary to popular belief, the existing document is merely a draft, not a binding accord.
He emphasised that the Tinubu-led administration is focused on finding sustainable solutions backed by the Constitution. “The government is not interested in making bogus or unsustainable agreements,” Alausa stated. “Our priority is to ensure that we develop lasting measures that will guarantee uninterrupted learning.”
Alausa assured Nigerians that ASUU’s ongoing protests would not lead to a strike, highlighting that the Federal Government has been consistently engaging with the union.
He said, “We are committed to solving this problem once and for all. The issues raised in the 2009 and 2021 agreements will now be addressed in a sustainable way.”
The minister reiterated that President Tinubu is committed to fulfilling every promise made to ASUU and Nigerians, ensuring that the agreements are implemented truthfully and honestly.
Background of ASUU and Federal Government Standoff
The long-standing standoff between ASUU and the Federal Government dates back to 2009, when both parties reached an agreement that focused on improved funding for universities, staff welfare, and infrastructure development.
However, the union has repeatedly accused successive governments of failing to honour the terms of the agreement, leading to recurring strikes that have disrupted academic activities.
In 2022, ASUU went on one of the longest strikes in Nigerian history, lasting eight months, to demand the implementation of the 2009 agreement. The strike crippled academic activities across public universities.
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Despite temporary resolutions in subsequent negotiations, the union has maintained that many of its key demands, particularly regarding funding and salary structures, remain unmet.
The recent nationwide protests reflect continued frustration, with ASUU warning that failure to resolve the issues could lead to another wave of industrial action.
High-Level Stakeholder Meeting on ASUU Proposals
Alausa revealed that the Ministry of Education held a high-level meeting with relevant stakeholders on Wednesday, August 28, to review and harmonise ASUU’s proposals.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Education, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, and the Solicitor General of the Federation, as well as permanent secretaries from the ministries of education, labour, and justice.
Also present were leaders from key agencies, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Salaries and Wages Commission, and the Budget Office.
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The meeting thoroughly reviewed ASUU’s submissions, and a technical team is now working on producing a final report, which will be forwarded to the Yayale Ahmed-led committee tasked with renegotiating the 2009 ASUU/Federal Government agreement.
Future Agreements to Be Legally Sound and Actionable
Alausa further assured that any future agreements with ASUU will be practical and legally enforceable. “We want an agreement where every component is actionable and feasible,” he stated. “Nigerians can be assured that this government will keep our schools open and ensure that our children remain in classrooms.”
He also pointed out that, unlike in the past, the Ministry of Justice would now play a direct role in the process to ensure that all agreements comply with constitutional provisions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a legally sound and actionable resolution.
Sunday Michael Ogwu is a Nigerian journalist and editor of Pinnacle Daily. He is known for his work in business and economic reporting. He has held editorial roles in prominent Nigerian media outlets, where he has focused on economic policy, financial markets, and developmental issues affecting Nigeria and Africa more broadly.
