In a dramatic turn of events this Thursday, the Federal Government, through Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphatically denied that a 2021 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had ever been formally executed. Speaking in Abuja, the minister clarified that documents cited by ASUU as binding accords were, in fact, mere draft proposals—not legally signed contracts.
Alausa assured that President Tinubu’s administration remains genuinely committed to resolving longstanding disputes with the union. The government is seeking a constitutionally valid and sustainable resolution, with this renewed strategy involving coordination by the Ministry of Justice—a departure from past negotiation efforts that omitted legal oversight.
The minister revealed that a high-powered, seven-member technical committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Education, has been constituted. Members include representatives from the Ministries of Justice, Labour, the Salary and Wages Commission, the National Universities Commission, the Budget Office, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. Their mandate: refine the government’s line-by-line counter-proposal and submit a clean, implementable draft to the Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee for presentation to ASUU.
ASUU’s President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, responded sharply, accusing the government of poor record-keeping and questioning the integrity of what has been promised. He emphasized that ASUU holds the union accountable to the agreements it believes were validly negotiated.
At the same time, heightened tension looms as ASUU has refused an invitation to the government’s meeting, citing lack of formal notice and opaque agenda as reasons. Other affiliated unions, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), have issued a 21-day ultimatum, readying industrial action over unresolved demands ranging from arrears to funding and institutional autonomy.
Summary of Key Developments
1. No Signed 2021 Agreement
The Education Minister has stated that ASUU considers agreements were never formally signed.
2. New Negotiation Structure in Place
A seven-member technical committee, including legal stakeholders, is now tasked with refining a counter-proposal and coordinating delivery through the Yayale Ahmed Committee.
3. Rising Tensions
ASUU distanced itself from a government-led meeting, while SSANIP’s ultimatum adds urgency—threatening nationwide educational disruption if unresolved within 21 days.
