The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to suspend its planned two-week warning strike and return to the negotiation table in the interest of Nigerian students.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, said the government had made a comprehensive offer to the union and was awaiting its official response.
The ministers said the offer addresses ASUU’s key demands, including working conditions, staff welfare, and institutional governance, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has approved a “robust teaching allowance” and reviewed conditions of service to reflect the value of academic work.
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They, however, cautioned that the Federal Government would enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy if ASUU proceeds with the industrial action.
“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” the statement read.
The ministers reiterated that issues relating to university autonomy and internal governance were within the purview of university governing councils, which are already handling them.
They also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous engagement with ASUU to ensure the stability of the nation’s universities and prevent further disruptions to academic activities.
The ASUU leadership had earlier declared a two-week warning strike effective from midnight on Monday, October 13, accusing the government of insincerity in ongoing negotiations.
