The federal administration has urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to postpone its proposed strike set to commence next week.The administration emphasized that there is no justification for the union to initiate a strike as it is dedicated to fulfilling all pending demands put forth by the union.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made this appeal in Abuja on Wednesday while updating reporters on the progress of ongoing discussions between the Federal Government and university-related unions.ASUU has warned of a potential strike following the conclusion of its 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28.The deadline for this ultimatum is October 12.
Alausa pointed out various measures already undertaken by the government to affirm its commitment, including the allocation of N50 billion for earned academic allowances and the commitment of N150 billion in the 2025 budget aimed at the revitalization of higher education institutions.
He stated,
“The President has honored his commitments. We have addressed promotional arrears, and the issues surrounding wage awards and allowances have been resolved. By next year, all arrears will be completely settled, including the 2025 wage award. The government is genuine and dedicated.”
Alausa mentioned that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee has been re-established and inaugurated to expedite discussions with both academic and non-academic unions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
He expressed,
“We are finalizing the components of the conditions of service that ASUU has suggested. Our counterpart committee is also working diligently to finalize its feedback, and hopefully, by the end of today or tomorrow, the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Committee will deliver the Federal Government’s counter-proposal to ASUU.”
He clarified that President Bola Tinubu had issued explicit directives that all measures must be taken to prevent another disruption in the nation’s higher education institutions.
Alausa remarked,
“The President has instructed us to do everything within our capabilities to avert a strike. Individuals at the highest levels of government have been tirelessly working behind the scenes to devise a comprehensive yet feasible response to the unions’ demands. These matters have persisted for over 10 to 15 years, but this administration is resolute in its commitment to finally resolve them.”