The Federal Government has called on academic and non-academic unions in tertiary institutions to continue embracing dialogue as negotiations on improved welfare and working conditions reach an advanced stage.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, made the appeal in Abuja, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that Nigerian students must remain in school while the government works to permanently resolve industrial issues in the education sector.
“President Tinubu has directed that our children must remain in school. We must do everything possible to avert strikes,” Alausa said. “We appeal to our unions to sustain dialogue as the preferred path to resolving disputes. This administration is sincere, proactive, and determined to find a lasting solution.”
He disclosed that the Federal Government Technical Working Group is finalizing a comprehensive counteroffer to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary institution unions. The proposals will soon be reviewed by the Yayale Ahmed-led Expanded Negotiation Committee before presentation to all parties.
Dr. Alausa noted that the Tinubu administration has adopted a unified negotiation framework to ensure fairness and coherence, adding that 80 percent of the demands by unions are similar across institutions.
He also listed achievements so far, including the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, release of ₦50 billion for arrears and allowances, and budgetary provision of ₦150 billion for the Needs Assessment Fund, to be disbursed in three tranches this year.
According to him, the inclusion of the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Ministry of Justice officials in the negotiation process ensures that all agreements reached will be legally binding and sustainable.
“This inclusion marks a new era of accountability. Every agreement will be legally sound, transparent, and enforceable,” he added.
Dr. Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, and other top officials, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining industrial peace in the education sector.
“This administration is not about promises but about action. We appeal to our unions not to resort to strikes. Let us continue to work together for the stability and progress of our education system,” he said.
The Expanded Negotiation Committee is expected to finalize its report in the coming days, paving the way for new, sustainable agreements that will ensure uninterrupted academic activities across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
