FG Pledges End to ASUU Stalemate, Assures Universities Will Stay Open
Story written by Okafor Joseph August 29,2025
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the 16-year dispute with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), vowing that Nigeria’s public universities will no longer be disrupted by strikes.
In a statement via its official X (Twitter) handle, the Federal Ministry of Education said it is pursuing a “sustainable, realistic, and constitutionally backed” agreement with ASUU.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (CON), disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the ministry to resolve the issue permanently. “Mr. President has mandated us to engage all stakeholders and bring this crisis to a final close. Nigerians can be assured this process is being handled with diligence, accountability, and honesty of purpose,” Alausa stated.
On concerns about fresh ASUU protests, the ministry assured that there will be no strike, citing progress on demands such as earned academic allowances and clarifying that arrears of 35% wages will be addressed once payments to other public servants commence.
A high-level meeting in Abuja involving the Ministers of Education and Labour, the Solicitor-General, NUC, TETFund, Budget Office, and the Salaries and Wages Commission reviewed ASUU’s proposals line by line. A technical committee led by Permanent Secretary Abel Enitan has been inaugurated to draft a counter-proposal for submission to the Yayale Ahmed-led negotiation team. For the first time, the Ministry of Justice will be fully involved to ensure the final deal is constitutionally binding.
Dr. Alausa emphasized Tinubu’s stance against strikes: “The President believes young people are the heartbeat of this nation. He is determined to keep our children in school. This administration will deliver a lasting solution with sincerity and transparency.”
The ministry urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as it works toward an agreement “that will stand the test of time.”
