ASUU Protests Will Not Lead to Strike – Alausa Assures Students

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday after a high-level meeting with key government officials, Alausa emphasized the Tinubu administration’s commitment to keeping universities open and resolving longstanding disputes with ASUU.

 “This government does not want strikes,” Alausa declared. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu views young people as the heartbeat of this nation and is determined to ensure our children remain in school. We are approaching this with sincerity, transparency, and respect for all parties.”

The minister revealed that President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Education to collaborate with relevant agencies to craft a sustainable, constitutionally compliant agreement to permanently address ASUU’s grievances. 

Alausa, alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, has been tasked with working with stakeholders to end the cycle of academic disruptions in public universities.

“We will not sign unsustainable agreements,” Alausa stressed, affirming the government’s commitment to practical, affordable, and legally sound accords. 

He assured Nigerians that the process is being handled with diligence, accountability, and transparency.

Progress has been made on key ASUU demands, including the payment and mainstreaming of earned academic allowances. 

Alausa noted that the outstanding 35 percent wage arrears will be cleared once payments to other public servants commence. 

To ensure a lasting resolution, a technical committee led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Enitan, has been established to draft a revised agreement. 

This draft will be reviewed by the Yayale Ahmed-led negotiation committee, with the Ministry of Justice involved from the outset to ensure legal and constitutional compliance.

Thursday’s meeting included senior officials from the Ministries of Labour and Productivity, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Labour, and Justice, as well as representatives from the National Universities Commission (NUC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Budget Office, and the Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

The group meticulously reviewed ASUU’s proposals.Alausa urged Nigerians to remain patient, expressing confidence that ongoing constructive engagement with ASUU would prevent a strike. 

The Ministry of Education reiterated its call for public support as it works toward a durable agreement to end recurring disputes and ensure uninterrupted academic progress.