Education Minister To ASUU, ASUP: Let Dialogue Replace Strikes

The Federal Government has assured that everything possible is being done to keep Nigeria’s tertiary institutions running without disruption. The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu Alausa, urged academic unions to suspend plans for industrial action, stressing that holistic negotiations are ongoing to address their demands.

 Alausa explained that the government is engaging ASUU, ASUP, SSANIP, and other stakeholders through a unified negotiation process that will ensure lasting solutions, rather than fragmented agreements. He emphasized that while the government is determined to meet the unions’ requests, no rushed commitments would be made, as agreements must be sustainable.

The minister revealed that an expanded negotiation committee has been set up to harmonize the concerns of all tertiary education unions under one umbrella. He appealed for patience, noting that the government has already addressed several immediate issues and is working to resolve more complex demands, including wage reviews, conditions of service, and funding needs.

Unions, however, have continued to raise threats of strike. ASUP recently issued a 21-day ultimatum, which expired last night, while SSANIP delivered a similar notice starting August 27. ASUU also held a one-day nationwide protest on August 26 to highlight its grievances, and its leadership is expected to announce its next line of action after consultations with branch chairmen.

Alausa maintained that the Tinubu administration is committed to ensuring students remain in school, noting that the president has given him a direct mandate to resolve the issues “once and for all.” He insisted that this government would not sign unrealistic agreements simply to avert strikes but would adopt an honest, transparent, and comprehensive approach to prevent future disputes.

Meanwhile, resident doctors under the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have also threatened to commence an indefinite strike this week over unresolved welfare issues. The group accused the government of failing to pay outstanding allowances and training funds despite repeated engagements. The doctors warned that without urgent intervention, the healthcare system could face a major breakdown.