President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, to urgently resolve the ongoing industrial dispute with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), stressing that he will not tolerate another strike that disrupts learning in Nigerian universities.
Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting the President at the Aso Rock Villa on Tuesday, Alausa said the government had already met “almost all” of ASUU’s demands and is now seeking further approval from the President to address outstanding issues.
“The President has made it clear that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike. We are doing everything possible to ensure that students remain in school,” Alausa said. “The last six-day strike was unnecessary. We’ve met nearly all their requests and are back at the negotiation table to finalise the remaining issues.”
The minister explained that his visit to the Villa was to brief the President on progress and to obtain additional executive support for education and human capital development.
ASUU, Nigeria’s main university lecturers’ union, has long clashed with the Federal Government over issues such as funding gaps, unpaid salaries, implementation of the renegotiated 2009 agreement, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) to replace IPPIS.
Years of recurrent strikes have disrupted academic calendars, delayed graduations, and weakened the global standing of Nigerian universities.
In October, ASUU embarked on a two-week warning strike, citing the government’s failure to honour its commitments, including completing negotiations, paying arrears, and revitalising university infrastructure.
Alausa revealed that the Tinubu administration has now consolidated all negotiations under one committee that engages both academic and non-academic unions.
“There is no ultimatum from any group. Everything is calm, and they understand that this is a listening government,” he said.
The minister also announced the launch of a Federal Tertiary Institution Governance and Transparency Portal, designed to make data on enrolment, budgets, intervention funds, endowments, and grants publicly accessible.
He noted that the portal currently covers all federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, with plans to extend it to state and private institutions.
“We are running an evidence-based government,” Alausa explained. “Without data, you’re flying blind.”
Responding to reports of a four-week ultimatum issued by joint tertiary unions and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 20, 2025, Alausa dismissed the claim.
“There is no ultimatum. I spoke with the President of ASUP on Monday. I’m in constant communication with them. Everything is calm, and they know we will address their concerns,” he said.
Alausa reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remains committed to resolving all labour issues in the education sector and ensuring stability across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
