The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to shelve any plans of industrial action, assuring that government is open to dialogue on their outstanding demands.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday during a meeting with leaders of the two unions, the minister said strikes often disrupt the academic calendar, leaving students and parents at the receiving end of the crisis. He urged the unions to consider dialogue as the best tool for resolving disputes.
“There is no need for strikes while talks are ongoing,” Alausa said. “The government is not insensitive to the challenges facing our universities and polytechnics. We are working on a roadmap that will gradually address funding gaps, welfare concerns, and infrastructure deficits in the sector.”
He noted that the Bola Tinubu administration is prioritizing education as a driver of national development and has already taken steps to implement parts of the agreements reached with the unions.
The minister further assured that pending arrears, revitalization funds, and improved working conditions for lecturers are under active consideration by the relevant government agencies.
In response, ASUU and ASUP leaders welcomed the minister’s assurances but emphasized the need for concrete action. They cautioned that prolonged delays in implementing agreements could weaken trust and fuel agitation among their members.
While reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, the unions urged the government to fast-track the release of funds for universities and polytechnics, as well as address issues relating to salary arrears, earned allowances, and autonomy.
Observers say the minister’s intervention comes at a crucial time when tension in the tertiary education sector is rising, with lecturers and staff unions warning of possible strike action if agreements are not honoured.
For now, both sides have agreed to resume technical talks, raising hopes that students will not face fresh academic disruptions.
