Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ending the era of industrial actions in Nigeria’s education sector. Speaking during a national television appearance on Tuesday, Alausa disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a clear directive: under his administration, academic and non-academic staff unions in tertiary institutions must not resort to strike actions.

“The President has directed that not again in this country will ASUU or tertiary institutions’ trade unions go on strike,” Alausa stated firmly, referencing the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as well as other unions such as the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

According to the minister, Tinubu’s administration has prioritized proactive engagement with education stakeholders to rebuild trust and prevent the breakdowns that often led to strikes in the past. Alausa emphasized that regular consultations and the fulfilment of government obligations are key elements of the new strategy.

“There has to be a lot of relationship-building,” he said. “These unions are not difficult people. Over the years, the problem has always been that the government enters into agreements and fails to honour them. That is changing under this administration.”

Alausa also dismissed ongoing speculations of a looming strike, stating categorically that there are no indications from the unions suggesting such action is being considered.

His comments come amid renewed efforts by the Ministry of Education to stabilize the sector, following years of disruptions due to unresolved disputes between the government and education unions. The minister’s assurance signals a more diplomatic and responsive approach aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s academic calendar and restoring credibility to the country’s tertiary education system.