Federal Government Cautions ASUU Against Disrupting Academic Calendar
Education ministers reaffirm commitment to dialogue and university reforms
By Orlin Milinov
The Federal Government has issued a warning to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against any action that could disrupt Nigeria’s academic calendar, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to dialogue and long-term stability in the higher education sector.
In a joint statement released by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, the government reiterated that it remains fully engaged in addressing the union’s longstanding concerns through constructive negotiation and mutual understanding.
According to the ministers, nearly all the key demands raised by ASUU have been “substantially resolved.” These include the introduction of improved teaching allowances and significant upgrades to the working conditions of academic staff. The few remaining issues, they explained, now fall under the jurisdiction of the newly reconstituted governing councils of individual universities.
Despite these measures, the ministers expressed disappointment that ASUU has opted for industrial action instead of continuing discussions. They described the union’s stance as “unfair to students and the public,” especially in light of the government’s demonstrated efforts to meet agreed timelines and maintain good faith negotiations.
Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the statement underscored that the administration continues to prioritize the welfare of university workers and the uninterrupted functioning of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
“While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources,” the statement read.
The ministers also cautioned that the Federal Government would enforce the existing “no work, no pay” policy if academic activities are halted, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving disputes.
Reassuring students, parents, and the wider public, the statement reaffirmed the government’s dedication to sustaining industrial peace within the education sector. The ministers appealed to academic unions to choose cooperation over confrontation in the collective interest of national development.
They further noted that ongoing educational reforms are designed to enhance teaching and research conditions, strengthen institutional autonomy, and foster innovation in an environment built on respect and productivity.
The statement concluded with a renewed appeal to ASUU to return to the negotiation table in the best interest of students and the future of Nigeria’s university system.
