Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial strike, emphasizing that constructive dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving outstanding issues in the tertiary education sector. This appeal comes amid ongoing tensions between the government and the union, with a potential strike looming over unresolved disputes.
In a joint statement, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, disclosed that the Federal Government has made a comprehensive offer to the union and is still awaiting ASUU’s official response. The ministers stressed that the offer addresses the union’s primary concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
The government highlighted its commitment to revitalizing universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars. “The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the statement added.
The ministers further assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders in the education sector. They noted that the administration’s consistent interventions demonstrate a clear commitment to these goals, with significant gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.
However, the statement also addressed certain aspects of ASUU’s demands, particularly those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions, which are statutory responsibilities of university governing councils. The ministers urged the union to allow these matters to be handled appropriately at the institutional level in line with existing regulations.
A notable development is the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, of a robust Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities. “All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled,” the statement read.
The government also reminded ASUU of the principle of “No Work, No Pay,” an extant provision of Nigerian labour law, warning that it will be invoked should the union proceed with the strike. “While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” the statement cautioned.
The ministers emphasized that the federal government has approached the matter with demonstrable commitment and sincerity, evident in its prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector. However, they expressed disappointment that ASUU has not reciprocated this gesture and appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing engagement.
As the nation awaits ASUU’s response, the focus remains on the future of Nigerian students and the stability of the university system. The government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare of lecturers and the sustainability of the education sector, urging all parties to prioritize dialogue over disputes.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our blog.
