By Olivia Nyere, JKNewsMedia Intern
THE FEDERAL Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have noted that they will, on Wednesday, January 14, formalise a new agreement aimed at improving the quality of the university education system and ensuring stability, the Ministry of Education said.
The ceremony will take place at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja and will be presided over by Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Alausa and Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad.
The statement noted that the development follows a recent 14-day ultimatum issued by ASUU. The strike was later cancelled after overnight talks between the union and the government.
The Ministry said the new agreement reflects the government’s commitment to constructive engagement with critical stakeholders and to resolving industrial disputes through dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation.
Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, said the formalisation of the agreement followed years of engagement between the Federal Government and ASUU to address industrial disputes.
According to the Ministry, the agreement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognises education as a strategic driver of national development, human capital growth, and socio-economic transformation.
The Ministry added that the agreement is expected to enhance industrial peace, create a more conducive academic environment, and reinforce confidence among students, university staff, and the wider public.
It adds that the unveiling will bring together senior government officials, ASUU representatives, heads of tertiary institutions, development partners, and members of the media, the Ministry said.
The Ministry also highlighted that the dispute between the FG and ASUU has been a longstanding challenge for Nigeria’s higher education sector, with recurrent disagreements over funding, conditions of service, and the implementation of agreements reached at previous negotiations.
Over the years, ASUU has embarked on numerous strike actions to press for better funding for public universities, improved welfare for lecturers, and full implementation of earlier accords, including unresolved terms from a 2009 agreement that has been central to many of the union’s industrial actions.
