FG Intensifies Talks with Tertiary Unions, Urges Dialogue Over Strikes
Alausa Reaffirms Tinubu’s Directive: “Our Students Must Remain in School”
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining industrial peace in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, urging academic and non-academic unions to continue embracing dialogue as negotiations for improved welfare and working conditions advance.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, made the appeal during a press briefing in Abuja, emphasizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that students must remain in school while efforts to resolve long-standing industrial disputes continue.
“President Tinubu has directed that our children must remain in school. We must do everything humanly possible to avert strikes,” Dr. Alausa stated. “We appeal to our unions to sustain dialogue as the preferred path to resolving disputes. This administration is sincere, proactive, and determined to find a lasting solution.”
Dr. Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government Technical Working Group is finalizing a comprehensive counteroffer to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary institution unions. He said the recommendations would soon be submitted to the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed-led Expanded Negotiation Committee for harmonization and presentation to all parties.
Unlike previous administrations, the Minister noted, the Tinubu-led government has adopted a unified negotiation framework that brings all tertiary education unions under a single negotiation body to ensure coherence, efficiency, and fairness.
“Eighty percent of the demands across institutions are similar, while twenty percent are peculiar. Having one negotiation body ensures consistency, reduces duplication, and guarantees a comprehensive outcome,” he explained.
The Technical Working Group, according to Alausa, comprises representatives from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Budget Office, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Solicitor-General of the Federation. The group has been meeting extensively to finalize the government’s position on the reviewed conditions of service.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Minister listed the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), release of ₦50 billion for arrears and allowances, and the provision of ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for the Needs Assessment Fund, to be disbursed in three tranches of ₦50 billion within the year. He also confirmed progress on the resolution of promotion arrears and wage awards, with full implementation expected soon.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that, for the first time, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice are actively involved in the negotiation process to ensure that all agreements reached are legally binding and sustainable.
“This inclusion marks a new era of accountability. Every agreement will be legally sound, transparent, and enforceable,” he affirmed.
Present at the briefing were the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, and the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, OON, mni. They all reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to ensure lasting peace and stability across the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Dr. Alausa commended the patience and understanding of all unions, assuring that the government’s approach is guided by dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect.
“This administration is not about promises but about action. We appeal to our unions not to resort to strikes. Let us continue to work together for the stability and progress of our education system,” he said.
The Expanded Negotiation Committee, chaired by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, is expected to conclude its harmonized report and forward it to the unions in the coming days — paving the way for the signing of new, sustainable agreements that will guarantee uninterrupted academic calendars across Nigeria’s universities and tertiary institutions.
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