The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) rejected claims by Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, that ASUU agreement with government never existed. Speaking in Abuja, Alausa insisted documents referenced by ASUU were negotiation proposals, not binding agreements, demanding urgent attention from Nigerians.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains determined to address lingering disputes with lecturers through a constitutionally compliant ASUU agreement with government. According to him, a new framework would be produced and implemented transparently, correcting errors that undermined previous administrations.
Alausa explained that earlier agreements collapsed because critical institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, never participated during crucial drafting stages. He emphasised that this government intends to correct those failures by ensuring every process follows constitutional and financial procedures diligently.
“The government side met today at the highest level. Ministers, Solicitor General, and senior officials actively participated. We carefully reviewed ASUU’s document line by line, discussing affordability, sustainability, and legal compliance before producing a government counter-proposal,” Alausa stated.
He revealed that a technical committee will harmonise proposals and prepare the comprehensive final agreement draft within established timelines. The committee includes permanent secretaries of key ministries, the Solicitor General, the Salaries and Wages Commission chairman, and heads of NUC and TETFund.
When completed, the committee’s report will proceed to the Yayale Ahmed Committee for additional deliberations with ASUU leadership. Alausa emphasised that this process guarantees credibility, transparency, and fairness, ensuring both parties finally agree on sustainable commitments for education.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, criticised government inconsistency and restated the union’s commitment to demanding honouring of all negotiated commitments. He argued that the minister’s remarks display negligence, stressing that genuine university stability requires sincerity, accountability, and fulfilment of earlier promises.
