The Federal Government has appealed to all academic and non-academic unions in the nation’s tertiary institutions to continue embracing dialogue and cooperation as ongoing negotiations for improved welfare and working conditions reach an advanced stage.
Speaking in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s firm directive that Nigerian students must remain in school while the government intensifies efforts to permanently resolve the long-standing industrial issues affecting the tertiary education sector.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the administration is fully committed to maintaining industrial harmony, assuring that the government is working round the clock to deliver a fair, realistic, and lasting agreement that addresses the concerns of both academic and non-academic unions.
“President Tinubu has directed that our children must remain in school. We must do everything humanly possible to avert strikes,” the Minister 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.”
The Minister 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 recommendations, he said, will soon be submitted to the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed-led Expanded Negotiation Committee for harmonization and presentation to all parties.
He explained that, unlike previous administrations, the present government has adopted a unified negotiation framework that brings together all tertiary education unions under a single committee to ensure efficiency, coherence, and fairness.
“Eighty percent of the demands across institutions are similar, while twenty percent are peculiar. Having one negotiation body ensures consistency, reduces duplication, and guarantees a comprehensive outcome,” he added.
According to him, the Technical Working Group—comprising representatives from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Budget Office, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Solicitor-General of the Federation (Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Justice)—has been meeting extensively to conclude government’s position on the reviewed conditions of service.
Dr. Alausa highlighted major achievements already recorded, including the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, the release of ₦50 billion for arrears and allowances, and the budgetary provision of ₦150 billion for the Needs Assessment Fund to be disbursed in 3 tranches of ₦50 billion this year, 2025. He also confirmed the resolution of issues surrounding promotion arrears and wage awards, with full implementation targeted.
He noted that the Solicitor-General of the Federation and officials from the Ministry of Justice are directly involved in the negotiation process for the first time, ensuring that all agreements reached are legally binding and sustainable.
“This inclusion marks a new era of accountability. Every agreement will be legally sound, transparent, and enforceable,” the Minister stated.
Also present at the briefing were the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, and the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, OON, mni, all of whom reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to ensure lasting industrial peace in the education sector.
Dr. Alausa commended the patience and understanding of all unions and assured them that the government’s approach is guided by dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect.
“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, chaired by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, is expected to conclude its harmonized report and forward it to the unions in the coming days, paving the way for the signing of new, sustainable agreements that will usher in a new era of industrial harmony and uninterrupted academic calendars across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
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