By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE remains the most effective and sustainable approach to resolving disputes in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, the Federal Government has said, urging the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its planned industrial action.
In a joint statement issued by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, the government confirmed that a comprehensive offer had been presented to the union and that it was still awaiting ASUU’s formal response.
According to the statement, the offer covers the union’s major concerns, including improved working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
The Ministers disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has approved a robust Teaching Allowance to recognise the value of academic work and further motivate lecturers across Nigeria’s public universities.
“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled.
The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement read.
The Ministers noted that the Federal Government has approached the matter with demonstrable commitment and sincerity, reflected in its prompt policy actions and financial interventions within the education sector.
They, however, expressed concern that ASUU has not reciprocated the gesture and appears determined to proceed with its planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing discussions.
Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system, the Ministers said that the ongoing reforms in education are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence.
While maintaining the government’s respect for university autonomy, they clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands—especially those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions, are statutory responsibilities of university governing councils.
The statement urged the union to allow these matters to be resolved appropriately at the institutional level in line with existing regulations.
The Ministers further reminded ASUU that the principle of “No Work, No Pay” remains an established provision under Nigerian labour law, warning that the Federal Government will enforce it should the union proceed with industrial action.
“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” the statement added.
They also reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other education stakeholders.
The statement stressed that the administration’s ongoing policy efforts reflect a clear commitment to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring academic stability.
“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions.
“We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the statement read.
The Ministers concluded by emphasising that the future of Nigerian students and the stability of the nation’s universities must take precedence over disputes.
“The Federal Government remains open to discussion and is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms,” they said.
