The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shelve its planned strike action, urging the union to embrace dialogue as the most effective path toward resolving all outstanding 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, said the government has made a comprehensive offer to ASUU and is awaiting the union’s official response.
According to the statement, the offer addresses key concerns raised by the union, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
The Ministers noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, has approved a robust Teaching Allowance to better reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers in 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.”
They stressed that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated sincerity through prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector but expressed concern that ASUU appears determined to proceed with the strike despite ongoing dialogue.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to lecturers’ welfare and university stability, the Ministers explained that certain issues raised by ASUU—particularly those related to internal governance, appointments, and promotions—fall under the purview of university governing councils and should be addressed at that level.
They further reminded the union that the “No Work, No Pay” policy remains an extant provision of Nigerian labour law and would be enforced should ASUU go ahead with the industrial action.
“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 reiterated that the government’s ongoing reforms in the education sector are built on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening aimed at achieving sustainable academic excellence.
They assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains open to continued engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders, stressing that the administration’s consistent interventions show its determination to revitalise universities, improve staff welfare, and ensure 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,” the Ministers stated.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes,” they added.
The statement was signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, on October 12, 2025.