The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned industrial action, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable approach to resolving outstanding issues in the nation’s tertiary education system.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the government disclosed that it has made a comprehensive offer to ASUU and is awaiting the union’s formal response.
According to the statement, the offer addresses key concerns raised by the union, including improved working conditions, institutional governance, and enhanced staff welfare. The ministers noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved a robust Teaching Allowance to recognise the value of academic work and boost lecturers’ motivation across public universities.
They explained that all matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been adequately addressed, except those within the purview of university governing councils, which are already being handled.
“The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement read.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment to lecturers’ welfare and the stability of the university system, the ministers expressed concern that ASUU has not reciprocated the administration’s good faith and appears determined to proceed with its planned strike despite ongoing dialogue.
They emphasised that the government’s reforms in the education sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure long-term academic excellence. The statement also clarified that issues relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions fall under the statutory responsibilities of university governing councils and should be addressed at that level.
The ministers further warned that the government would invoke the No Work, No Pay rule should ASUU proceed with the strike, noting that the provision remains part of Nigerian labour law.
“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 said.
Reassuring Nigerians, the ministers stated that the Tinubu administration remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders, adding that ongoing policy actions and financial interventions demonstrate clear commitment to revitalising universities and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes. The Federal Government is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms,” the statement concluded.
