The Federal Government is nearing the final phase of negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions representing personnel in Nigeria’s higher education institutions.
During a meeting of the Technical Working Group on ASUU’s Conditions of Service held in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, disclosed that the government is optimistic about resolving outstanding issues swiftly to prevent further industrial actions.
He revealed that a counter-proposal is currently being drafted by the technical team and will soon be forwarded to the unions through the Allied General United Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Negotiations Committee.
Highlighting the administration’s commitment, Alausa stressed that this effort aligns with President Bola Tinubu‘s directive to ensure uninterrupted academic activities for Nigerian students.
“The President has made it clear that students’ education must continue without disruption. Our technical working group is finalizing a portion of the conditions of service to present as a counter-offer,” the minister stated.
“We anticipate that by the end of today, or at the latest tomorrow, the Allied General United Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Negotiations Committee will submit the counter-offer to ASUU.”
Alausa pointed out that about 80% of the unions’ demands are shared across various tertiary institutions, while the remaining 20% address specific sectoral concerns.
The committee, inaugurated earlier this week, has already begun intensive discussions aimed at expediting the negotiation process and establishing clear timelines for implementation.
He also highlighted significant progress made by the current government, including the disbursement of ₦50 billion for the Earned Academic Allowance, a payment facilitated under President Tinubu’s administration.
“Furthermore, the 2025 budget earmarks ₦150 billion for needs assessment, to be released in three tranches, with the initial ₦50 billion already accessible,” Alausa added.
“While our lecturers and all academic and non-academic staff deserve fair compensation, it is impractical to fulfill all demands at once.
“This counter-offer demonstrates our genuine intention to provide meaningful financial improvements and enhance welfare,” the minister emphasized.
He confirmed that arrears related to promotions and other outstanding allowances, including increments for teaching and wages, have been addressed, with all pending issues expected to be resolved by 2026.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to constructive dialogue and sustainable solutions, Alausa appealed to both academic and non-academic unions to exercise patience and avoid premature strike actions.
“Many concerns have been settled, and the remaining challenge lies in the conditions of service, which we are determined to resolve,” he said.
“We urge all unions within tertiary institutions to remain patient. This administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, has shown transparency and sincerity over the past two years. We seek your understanding and cooperation,” the minister concluded.
Recently, ASUU issued a warning about a potential strike due to unresolved issues.
Similarly, on Tuesday, the Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), directed members to carry out a one-day protest on Thursday over related grievances.