The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to ending the recurring strikes in Nigeria’s universities, promising to resolve all pending issues with academic unions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, made this known in Abuja on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of recent discussions with university-based unions.
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He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Education to ensure that academic activities in tertiary institutions continue without disruption.
Dr. Alausa stated that the directive from President Tinubu underscores the government’s determination to maintain uninterrupted learning and safeguard the future of students across the country.
He explained that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Expanded Negotiation Committee, inaugurated earlier in the week, has started talks aimed at achieving a lasting agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions.
The Minister further revealed that the Federal Government has allocated N150 billion in the 2025 budget to improve teachers’ welfare and address key union demands. The funds, according to him, will be disbursed in three phases, with all arrears, including the 25% wage award, expected to be settled by 2026.
He added that while not all union demands may be met immediately, the administration remains focused on improving the welfare of educators and ensuring consistent financial support for the education sector.
Dr. Alausa also urged unions to prioritize dialogue over strikes, emphasizing that the government’s focus is to stabilize the academic calendar and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s university system.
