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Cabinet officials

Minister of Education Faults ASUU's Indefinite Strike Decision

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has expressed disappointment and frustration with the Academic Staff Union of Universities' (ASUU) decision to embark on a two-week indefinite strike, citing the government's extensive efforts to meet virtually all of the union's demands. Despite the minister's claims of proactive engagement and goodwill from the government, ASUU proceeded with the strike, leading Alausa to express regret over the union's decision.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, faulted ASUU's decision to embark on an indefinite strike, describing it as unnecessary and unjustifiable.
  • The minister claimed that the government had met virtually all of ASUU's demands, including the payment of earned academic allowances and the approval of ?150 billion for the long-outstanding Needs Assessment Fund.
  • Alausa revealed that even before ASUU's announcement, there were indications that the union had already resolved to go on strike regardless of ongoing negotiations.
  • The minister listed several commitments already fulfilled by the Tinubu administration, including the payment of ?50 billion earned academic allowance and the approval of ?50 billion for the Needs Assessment Fund.
  • Alausa identified promotion arrears, postgraduate supervision allowances, and salary adjustments as areas that had been addressed, with all to be paid in the 2026 budget.
  • A high-level technical committee, co-chaired by the minister, the Minister of Labour, and the Minister of State for Education, met with ASUU leadership to finalize reviews of their conditions of service and welfare demands.
  • The minister lamented that ASUU failed to respond as promised, despite the government's efforts to address their demands.

Statistics:

  • ?50 billion was paid as earned academic allowances by the Tinubu administration.
  • ?150 billion was approved for the long-outstanding Needs Assessment Fund, with ?50 billion already released.
  • 75% of ASUU's demands have been met by the government, according to the minister.
  • 25% and 35% wage awards will be paid in 2026, benefiting all public servants.

Sources:

  • Channels Television's The Morning Brief
  • Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa's statement.

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