By Gideon Maxwell
October 12, 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its industrial action, stressing that sustained dialogue remains the most effective means to resolve issues in the nation’s tertiary education sector.
In a joint statement, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, confirmed that the Federal Government has submitted a comprehensive offer to ASUU and is awaiting the union’s official response.
According to the statement, the government’s proposal addresses the union’s key concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare. A major component of the offer is a newly approved robust Teaching Allowance, designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities.
The Ministers noted that all matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those under the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are being actively handled at the institutional level.
The Federal Government remains open and committed to further engagement once ASUU formally responds.
“The administration has approached this matter with demonstrable commitment and sincerity, evident in prompt policy responses and financial interventions,” the statement read.
“However, ASUU has not reciprocated and appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing engagement.”
The statement emphasised that the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains unwavering in its dedication to lecturer welfare and the stability of the university system.
The ongoing reforms in the education sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence.
While reaffirming respect for university autonomy, the Ministers clarified that some ASUU demands, particularly those concerning internal governance, appointments, and promotions, fall within the statutory responsibilities of university governing councils.
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They urged the union to allow these matters to be handled appropriately in line with existing regulations.
The Federal Government also reminded ASUU of the “No Work, No Pay” principle, a provision under Nigerian labour law, which will be enforced 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 warned.
The Ministers assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other education stakeholders.
They highlighted the administration’s consistent interventions as evidence of its commitment to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars.
“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 added.
Concluding the statement, the Ministers stressed: “The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority 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.”
