Abuja, Nigeria – August 29, 2025 – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the 16-year standoff with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), assuring Nigerians that no further strike actions will disrupt academic activities.
In an official statement posted on the Federal Ministry of Education’s verified Twitter account, the government said it is engaging ASUU in a realistic, sustainable, and constitutionally aligned process to permanently resolve all lingering disputes.
Tinubu Directs Education Ministry to Resolve Crisis “Once and For All”
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (CON), stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a clear directive to ensure universities remain open and students stay in school.
“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,” Alausa said.
He assured the public that the government is handling the process with the highest level of diligence, transparency, and accountability.
Constructive Dialogue Ongoing — No Strike Action Expected
Addressing growing public concerns about fresh ASUU protests, the Ministry clarified that no industrial action is expected, citing ongoing constructive engagements with union leaders.
“Progress has already been made on key demands, including the payment and mainstreaming of earned academic allowances,” the Ministry stated.
The outstanding 35% wage arrears owed to ASUU members will be addressed in line with payments to other federal public servants.
High-Level Inter-Ministerial Meeting Held in Abuja
A strategic meeting was convened in Abuja, attended by:
- Minister of Labour and Productivity
- Solicitor-General of the Federation
- Permanent Secretaries from key ministries
- Executive Secretaries of the NUC and TETFund
- Budget Office and Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission
The meeting focused on a clause-by-clause review of ASUU’s demands and proposals.
Technical Committee Inaugurated to Draft New Agreement
A technical committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Enitan, has been formed to draft a counterproposal.
“The draft will be presented to the Yayale Ahmed-led Committee for further negotiations with ASUU,” the Ministry confirmed.
In a departure from past practices, the Ministry of Justice will be involved from the outset to ensure legal alignment with Nigeria’s constitution.
“No More Strikes” — FG Pledges Long-Term Solution
Minister Alausa reiterated the administration’s resolve to end all forms of industrial action in the education sector.
“This government does not want strikes. President Tinubu strongly believes that young people are the heartbeat of this nation,” he emphasized.
The Minister urged Nigerians to support the process, assuring that a durable, fair, and constitutionally compliant agreement is on the way.
“We are committed to this task with sincerity, transparency, and respect for all parties,” the Ministry added.
Government Calls for Patience and Public Support
In closing, the Ministry appealed to citizens for patience:
“The Federal Government urges Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as it works to conclusively close this chapter of recurring disputes.”
