The Federal Government has intensified efforts to prevent a looming strike in the nation’s universities by commencing the final phase of negotiations with Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions. In a strategic move to ensure enforceable agreements, the government has also brought in the Solicitor General of the Federation and officials of the Ministry of Justice to participate in the negotiation process.
The development comes as ASUU’s 14-day strike notice, which began on September 28, 2025, inches closer to its deadline. The planned action includes a two-week warning strike, followed by an indefinite shutdown of academic activities if the union’s demands remain unmet.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during a meeting of the Technical Working Group on Conditions of Service of ASUU, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, assured Nigerians that the government is determined to resolve all outstanding issues to avert disruptions to the academic calendar.
He explained that the involvement of legal officers was to guarantee the legal soundness and enforceability of all agreements, ensuring they stand the test of time. “The President has made it clear that our children must remain in school. The technical working group is finalising a counteroffer to the unions, which will soon be communicated through the Allied General United Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Negotiations Committee,” he stated.
Alausa noted that about 80 percent of the unions’ demands were similar across tertiary institutions, while the remaining 20 percent were sector-specific. He further disclosed that the committee, inaugurated earlier in the week, had begun intensive deliberations to fast-track agreements and implementation timelines.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, the minister revealed that ₦50 billion had already been released for Earned Academic Allowances, while ₦150 billion was captured in the 2025 budget for needs assessment—set to be released in three tranches, with the first ₦50 billion ready.
“We may not be able to give everything at once, but this government is committed to substantial financial rewards and improved welfare for academic and non-academic staff,” he said.
He also confirmed that promotion arrears, teaching and wage awards, and other outstanding allowances had been addressed, with plans to clear all remaining areas by 2026.
Appealing for patience, Alausa urged the unions to give dialogue a chance rather than resorting to strikes. “We have resolved a lot of these issues. The condition of service is the final part, and we will resolve that as well,” he assured.
With the clock ticking on the strike deadline, stakeholders are optimistic that this final negotiation phase could bring lasting stability to the nation’s tertiary education sector.