As tension brews across Nigeria’s university campuses, the Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shelve its planned industrial strike, insisting that dialogue remains the only path to lasting peace in the nation’s tertiary education sector.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, revealed that the government had presented a comprehensive offer to ASUU addressing its key concerns ranging from working conditions to staff welfare and institutional governance.
According to the ministers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has approved a robust Teaching Allowance to enhance lecturers’ motivation and recognise the value of their academic contributions across public universities.
“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the purview of individual university governing councils, which are already being handled,” the statement read.
“The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received.”
The ministers expressed concern that, despite the government’s demonstrated sincerity through prompt interventions and funding commitments, ASUU appeared determined to proceed with the strike action.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to lecturer welfare and the stability of the university system, they stressed that reforms under the current leadership are rooted in fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to promote sustainable academic excellence.
While acknowledging ASUU’s push for university autonomy, the ministers clarified that certain demands especially those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions fall under the statutory jurisdiction of university governing councils.
They, however, cautioned that the Federal Government would not hesitate to invoke the “No Work, No Pay” policy if the union goes ahead with its planned strike.
“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 warned.
Reassuring Nigerians of the government’s readiness for continued dialogue, the ministers emphasized that ongoing efforts are geared toward revitalising public universities, 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 resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” they added.
They concluded by appealing to ASUU to prioritise the future of Nigerian students and consolidate on the progress achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.