*The Federal Government of Nigeria urges the Academic Staff Union of Universities to reconsider decision to commence a nationwide strike, warning the relevant authorities will invoke extant provision in Labour law, should ASUU proceed with the industrial action

Emmanuel Akosile | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Government of Nigeria again, urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its decision to embark on a strike.

The government emphasised that constructive dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path towards resolving all outstanding issues in the country’s tertiary education sector.

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Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, Honourable Minister of Education, and Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, Honourable Minister of State for Education, who said this in a joint statement, affirmed the government has made a comprehensive offer to the union, and is still awaiting ASUU’s official response as of Tuesday.

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The Ministers stressed that the government’s offer has addressed ASUU’s primary concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.

The Federal Government also noted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s has approved a robust Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities.

The statement also noted: “All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled.

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“The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received.”

The Ministers further emphasised the government has approached the matter with demonstrable commitment and sincerity.

According to them, this love is evident in its prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector of the Nigerian economy.

The statement, however, noted ASUU has not reciprocated this gesture and appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing engagement.

Reaffirming that the administration of President Tinubu remains unwavering, the Ministers said the current administration is committed to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system.

They equally noted that the ongoing reforms in the education sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence.

The administration’s respect for University autonomy, the Ministers clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands鈥攑articularly those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions鈥攁re statutory responsibilities of university governing councils.

The Ministers, therefore, urged ASUU to allow these matters to be handled appropriately at the institutional level in line with existing regulations.

The Federal Government the academic union that the principle of “No Work, No Pay” remains an extant provision of Nigerian labour law.

The Ministers said the Federal Government would invoke this provision, should ASUU proceed with the strike.

Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry stated: “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 Ministers further assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders in the education sector.

The administration’s consistent interventions demonstrate a clear commitment to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars, the statement noted.

The Ministers stated: “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 and resolved without shutting down our campuses.

“Our students must remain in school.”

Ministers added: “The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes.

“The Federal Government remains open to discussion and is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.”

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