Tinubu Orders Education Minister to End ASUU Strike
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Education, Mr Olatunji Alausa, to quickly resolve the ongoing conflict with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). He aims to avoid another strike that would disrupt academic activities in Nigerian universities.
After meeting with the President at the Aso Rock Villa on Tuesday, Alausa told reporters that the government has largely met “literally all” of ASUU’s demands. The government is now working on negotiating further concessions from the President.
“The President has asked us to ensure that ASUU does not strike, and we are doing everything we can to keep our students in school. The last strike, which lasted about six days, was unnecessary.
“We have met essentially all their demands. We are now back at the negotiating table. One reason for my visit today is to update the President on our progress regarding the ASUU strike and to seek more support from him,” the minister said.
He described the recent six-day warning strike as “unnecessary” and stressed that discussions are ongoing. “Now we’re back at the negotiation table. We are in talks, just as the President engaged with the leadership earlier today. We will find a solution.
“Part of my purpose today is to inform the President about our status regarding the ASUU strike and to ask for additional backing from him,” he added.
ASUU, the main union for university lecturers in Nigeria, has long criticised the Federal Government over issues such as funding shortages, unpaid salaries, the renegotiated 2009 FG–ASUU agreement, the use of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution instead of IPPIS, and the poor condition of higher education facilities.
Historically, strikes by the union have disrupted academic schedules, delayed graduations, and harmed the international competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
In October, ASUU started a two-week warning strike, saying the government has neglected its demands, which include finalising the renegotiated agreement, paying owed salaries, and revitalising universities.
The Education Minister mentioned that the Tinubu administration has streamlined negotiations by creating a single committee, led by Yayale Ahmed, to negotiate with all tertiary staff unions, including ASUU, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, and the Colleges of Education Staff Union. This is different from the previous system, where each union had its own committee.
“What we have done now is expand this single committee. They are engaging with both academic and non-academic unions. There is currently no ultimatum. All is peaceful, and they know this government listens to their concerns,” Alausa said.
The minister also pointed out the launch of a new Federal Tertiary Institution Governance and Transparency Portal. This portal provides information on enrolment, budget allocations (including personnel, capital, and recurrent expenses), intervention funds, endowments, and grants.
He noted that the portal currently covers federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, with plans to extend to state and private institutions.
“We are running an evidence-based administration. Without data, it’s like navigating without sight,” he said.
When asked about the four-week deadline set by the joint unions in higher education and the Nigeria Labour Congress on October 20, 2025, regarding resolving the crisis in tertiary education, the minister stated that no such deadline exists.
“With all due respect, there is indeed no deadline. I spoke with the president of ASUP on Monday.
“I am their main contact. Everything is stable, and they all see this is a government that listens.
“We will tackle all their concerns and resolve many of their issues.”
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