The Federal Government has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to end its two-week warning strike, insisting that all of the union’s demands have been met and that there is no justification for the ongoing industrial action.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated this on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
He said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated sincerity and transparency in its engagement with ASUU since he assumed office.
“We have addressed every single request by ASUU. There is absolutely no need for this strike, and we are pleading with them to go back to school,” Alausa said.
The Minister revealed that the government had released ₦50 billion for earned academic allowances and budgeted ₦683 billion for tertiary infrastructure in 2025, covering the rehabilitation of hostels, lecture theatres, laboratories, and workshops.
He added that additional funds had been mobilised for staff training and student support through the National Education Revival Fund and related initiatives.
ASUU’s strike, declared on Sunday by its National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, followed a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28.
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The union accused the government of reneging on past agreements and neglecting critical issues such as the release of needs-assessment funds and unpaid allowances.
However, Alausa dismissed those claims as “unfounded,” alleging that the union itself was delaying fund disbursement by insisting that the entire first tranche of intervention money be paid directly to ASUU rather than shared with polytechnics and colleges of education.
“It is ASUU that is holding those disbursements,” he said, adding that most promotion arrears and third-party deductions had been resolved, while other outstanding matters fall within the purview of individual university managements.
The Minister also maintained that the government would not pay the full salaries withheld during ASUU’s previous prolonged strike, noting that earlier negotiations only covered partial payments.
Reassuring students and parents, Alausa said the government remains committed to preventing academic disruptions.
“Let me reassure our students and parents nationwide that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will do everything humanly possible to keep you in school,” he said.
Appealing once again to the union, Alausa concluded: “There is no reason for this strike. ASUU should show good faith, return to work, and continue dialogue with the government for the sake of our students and the future of education in Nigeria.”
Punch
