The federal government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shelve its planned strike and embrace dialogue.
The Nigerian government, in a joint statement on Sunday by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, assured of the government’s commitment to resolving all pending issues.
Naijaonpoint recalls that ASUU had earlier on Sunday, declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities in Nigeria.
The National President of the Union, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the latest development at an ongoing press briefing in Abuja on Sunday at the University of Abuja.
Piwuna stated that all branches of ASUU should withdraw their services with effect from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025.
However, the government, in a swift reaction, has urged the union to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial strike, emphasising that constructive dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path toward resolving all outstanding issues in the tertiary education sector.
The government statement disclosed that it has made a comprehensive offer to the union and is still awaiting ASUU’s official response.
The Ministers in the statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, emphasised that the offer addresses the union’s primary concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
It added that President Tinubu has approved a robust Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities.
“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively 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.
The Ministers reaffirmed that the administration of President Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system. They noted that the ongoing reforms in the education sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence.
While reaffirming the administration’s respect for university autonomy, the Ministers clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands, particularly those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotion are statutory responsibilities of university governing councils. They urged the union to allow these matters to be handled appropriately at the institutional level in line with existing regulations.
No Work No Pay
The statement added that the government would be forced to invoke the principle of “No Work, No Pay” should ASUU proceed with the strike.
It noted, however, that the government is open to engaging in dialogue.
“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 government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the statement added.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes. The Federal Government remains open to discussion and is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms,” the Ministers concluded.
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