The Federal Government of Nigeria has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned strike and return to the negotiation table, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective means of resolving all lingering issues in the tertiary education sector.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructive engagement with the union. They disclosed that a comprehensive offer addressing ASUU’s major demands has already been presented, awaiting the union’s official response.
According to the statement, the government’s proposal includes improvements in working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare, alongside a newly approved Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate university lecturers nationwide.
“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 ministers said. “The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received.”
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The ministers emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated sincerity through its prompt policy responses and financial interventions aimed at revitalizing the education sector. They, however, expressed concern that ASUU appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite ongoing discussions.
Reaffirming the government’s dedication to lecturers’ welfare and the stability of the university system, the ministers noted that ongoing education reforms under the Tinubu administration are guided by fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to sustain academic excellence.
They also clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands—particularly those involving internal governance, staff appointments, and promotions—fall under the statutory powers of individual university governing councils. The ministers urged ASUU to allow these matters to be resolved within the appropriate institutional frameworks.
Citing the “No Work, No Pay” principle as an existing labour law, the ministers warned that the government would not hesitate to enforce it should the union proceed with the strike. “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 read.
The Federal Government assured Nigerians that it remains open to dialogue with ASUU and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to challenges facing the nation’s universities.
“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through consistent engagements and policy actions,” the ministers stated. “We are confident that with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school.”
They concluded by appealing to ASUU to prioritize the future of students and the stability of Nigeria’s universities over disputes. “The government stands ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms,” they said.