The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, on Monday, September 8, 2025, in Abuja, urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to shelve plans of industrial action. He said there was no need for a strike since the Federal Government is already addressing their concerns through ongoing negotiations.
Alausa insisted that government is committed to meeting the unions’ needs through constructive dialogue rather than disruption of academic activities. He described his engagements with the unions as “holistic” and “constructive.”
“We are engaging with the unions holistically and constructively. Dialogue is the way forward, not strikes. Our students must remain in school while we continue to resolve all issues on the table,” the minister said.
He explained that government would not rush into any new agreement without proper negotiation but assured the unions that their outstanding demands would be met.
Before now, ASUU, ASUP, and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) had threatened to go on strike over unmet expectations. On August 26, 2025, the unions staged a one-day nationwide strike to express displeasure and to draw government’s attention.
At its National Executive Committee meeting on August 14, ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, warned that the association would embark on a strike after 21 days if demands were not addressed. He later confirmed that five meetings had been scheduled with government officials, which would determine if the strike would proceed.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, also disclosed that the outcome of recent talks would be communicated to members through branch chairmen before being made public, which will determine their next line of action.
On the matter of agreements, Alausa clarified that the 2009 ASUU–FG agreement remains valid and enforceable, while the 2021 draft led by Prof. Nimi Briggs, which was never signed, will only serve as a reference point in current negotiations.
He noted that past negotiations with unions were fragmented, even though their demands were similar — NEEDS assessment, improved conditions of service, and the 2025 wage review. He assured that government is now coordinating talks to address these issues collectively.
Alausa further explained that while the government is aware of the unions’ financial needs and is willing to provide support, it must also balance competing national priorities.
“Everybody knows President Bola Tinubu — when he makes promises, he fulfills them. We are not a government that, just for the sake of averting strike, signs bogus agreements with unions. Mr. President has given me a clear mandate, and I will carry it out truthfully until we resolve these issues once and for all,” he said.
The appeal comes amid fresh agitation in the academic sector. ASUU’s last major strike in 2022 lasted eight months, disrupting university education nationwide. Parents and education stakeholders have since urged both government and unions to avoid another shutdown.
Alausa assured that the Tinubu administration is determined to maintain stability in the higher education sector and keep students in school.
Miracle Chidinma Amaechi with agency reports.
