The Federal Government has urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to drop its plan to go on strike, stressing that dialogue remains the only sustainable way to resolve lingering issues in the tertiary education sector.
In a joint statement on Sunday, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, said the government has made a “comprehensive offer” addressing ASUU’s key demands, including staff welfare, working conditions, and institutional governance.
The Ministers said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has approved a new Teaching Allowance to better reward lecturers and motivate academic staff across public universities. They added that all issues related to the review of service conditions have been addressed, except those handled by individual university governing councils, which are already in progress.
“The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement read.
They criticised the union’s decision to proceed with a strike despite ongoing negotiations, describing it as unhelpful and counterproductive. According to the Ministers, the government has demonstrated good faith through prompt interventions and reforms aimed at improving the education system.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to lecturers’ welfare and university stability, the statement noted that reforms in the sector are built on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening. It also clarified that some of ASUU’s demands—especially those involving appointments and promotions—fall under the authority of university governing councils.
The Ministers warned that the “No Work, No Pay” rule remains in force and will be applied if ASUU proceeds with the strike. “While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system,” they said.
They assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains open to continued discussions with ASUU and other stakeholders. “The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. Every legitimate concern can be resolved without shutting down campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the statement concluded.
