The Federal Government has urged university lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to embrace dialogue and constructive consultation instead of confrontation over their ongoing dispute with authorities.
It said that since most of the lecturers’ requests had already been addressed, there was no justification for the union to declare a two-week warning strike.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Ministry of Education, the government reaffirmed that the “no work, no pay” principle remains in effect and could be enforced if the strike disrupts academic activities.
“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.
ASUU had on Sunday directed its members to commence a two-week warning strike beginning Monday, accusing the Federal Government of failing to meet its outstanding demands. The union also warned that the strike could become indefinite if the issues remain unresolved.
Should the strike proceed, academic activities in all public universities nationwide would be halted.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, stated that most of ASUU’s demands had already been met during extensive negotiations involving top government officials, including the permanent secretaries of the Ministries of Education and Labour, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, and representatives of the Salaries and Wages Commission.
An official who was part of the negotiation said: “What do the lecturers want? The government put all cards on the table and made offers that addressed almost all their requests. ASUU representatives said they would review the offers and respond, but they never did. Instead, they went ahead with the strike threat. There is more to this.”
The Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, issued a statement on behalf of the ministers, confirming that the Federal Government had made a comprehensive offer that addressed ASUU’s key concerns — including conditions of service, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those that are within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled,” the statement noted.
The ministers emphasised that the Tinubu Administration has shown sincerity and commitment to improving lecturers’ welfare and stabilising the university system. They reiterated that ongoing reforms in the education sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening.
While reaffirming the government’s respect for university autonomy, the ministers clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands — particularly those related to internal governance, appointments, and promotions fall under the authority of university governing councils and not the federal ministry.
“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through a series of engagements and policy actions. We are confident that with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the statement added.
ASUU’s position
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, insisted that the strike was inevitable due to the government’s alleged insensitivity and failure to implement past agreements.
He said the two-week warning strike could be extended if the government fails to address the union’s seven-point demands, which include:
- Renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement
- Improved funding for public universities
- Revitalisation projects
- End to the alleged victimisation of ASUU members in some universities
- Payment of outstanding salary and promotion arrears
- Settlement of withheld third-party deductions
Piwuna said the decision followed a 14-day ultimatum that expired on Sunday, urging Nigerians to prevail on the government to resolve the lingering issues “for the soul of public education in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), a rival lecturers’ union, distanced itself from the strike, saying it would not participate. This was confirmed in a statement by CONUA’s National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu.
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