The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial strike, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable approach to resolving outstanding issues in the nation’s 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, said the government had made a comprehensive offer to the union and was awaiting its official response.
According to the ministers, the offer addresses ASUU’s major concerns, including improved working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
They disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had approved a robust Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across 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 statement read. “The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received.”
The ministers noted that the government had demonstrated sincerity through prompt policy actions and financial interventions in the education sector, but regretted that ASUU appeared determined to proceed with the planned strike despite ongoing discussions.
They reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s administration remained committed to the welfare of lecturers and the stability of the university system, with ongoing reforms anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening.
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While reiterating the government’s respect for university autonomy, the ministers clarified that some of ASUU’s demands particularly those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions fell under the statutory responsibilities of university governing councils.
They urged the union to allow such matters to be handled appropriately at the institutional level, in accordance with existing regulations.
The ministers also reminded the union that the principle of “No Work, No Pay” remains an extant provision of Nigerian labour law and warned that it would be enforced should ASUU go ahead 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 added.
Reaffirming government’s openness to constructive engagement, the ministers assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to revitalise universities, improve staff welfare, and ensure uninterrupted academic calendars.
“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions,” they 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 emphasising that the future of students and the stability of universities must take priority over disputes, adding that the government remains ready to work with ASUU to consolidate gains already achieved in welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.
