In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Prof. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, accused ASUU of abandoning dialogue despite what they described as the government’s “sincere and consistent efforts” to address the lecturers’ demands.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has threatened to invoke the “no work, no pay” rule against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) if it embarks on its planned two-week nationwide warning strike.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Prof. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, accused ASUU of abandoning dialogue despite what they described as the government’s “sincere and consistent efforts” to address the lecturers’ demands.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) 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 statement read.
The ministers disclosed that the government had made a comprehensive offer to ASUU and was awaiting the union’s official response.
“The offer addresses the union’s primary concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare,” they said.
They added that under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a “robust Teaching Allowance” had been approved “to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities.”
The statement continued, “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 ministers insisted that the government had approached the matter “with demonstrable commitment and sincerity,” citing “prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector.”
“However, ASUU has not reciprocated this gesture and appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing engagement,” the statement said.
They reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remains “unwavering in its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system,” and that ongoing reforms in the 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 promotions—are statutory responsibilities of university governing councils,” the statement added.
They urged the union to allow these matters to be handled appropriately “at the institutional level in line with existing regulations.”
They also reminded the union that the “principle of ‘No Work, No Pay’ remains an extant provision of Nigerian labour law, and the Federal Government will invoke it should ASUU proceed with the strike”.
“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” it added.
The ministers further assured Nigerians that the administration remains open to “constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders in the education sector,” stressing that the government’s interventions demonstrate “a clear commitment to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars.”
“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,” they stated.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes,” the statement concluded.
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