The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned strike, urging the union to embrace dialogue as the most sustainable way to resolve outstanding issues in the tertiary education sector.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the government disclosed that it had made a comprehensive offer to ASUU addressing key concerns such as working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
The Ministers noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, had approved a robust Teaching Allowance to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities. They added that all matters related to the review of conditions of service had been addressed, except those that fall under the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are already handling them.
“The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement read.
The Ministers expressed concern that despite the government’s “demonstrable commitment and sincerity” through prompt policy actions and financial interventions, ASUU appears determined to proceed with the planned strike.
Reaffirming the government’s respect for university autonomy, they clarified that certain issues raised by ASUU—particularly those involving internal governance, appointments, and promotions—are statutory functions of university governing councils and must be addressed at that level.
They also reminded the union that the “No Work, No Pay” policy remains an active provision of Nigerian labour law and would be enforced should ASUU go ahead with the industrial action.
“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 warned.
The Ministers reassured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains fully committed to revitalising the university system, improving staff welfare, and ensuring an uninterrupted academic calendar.
“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 without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” they stated.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes,” they added, pledging the government’s readiness to work with ASUU to consolidate gains in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.
The statement was signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, on October 12, 2025.