President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately resolve the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, emphasizing that Nigerian students must not be kept out of classrooms any longer.

The directive came after a high-level meeting with Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, who assured the public that the government has largely fulfilled ASUU’s long-standing demands.

“The President has made it clear that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike,” Alausa said.
“We’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school.”

 Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment to University Stability

The education minister described the recent six-day warning strike by ASUU as “unnecessary,” stressing that negotiations have already resumed with union leaders under improved terms.

Alausa disclosed that the government has shifted its negotiation framework to ensure faster, more coordinated resolutions.

 Unified Negotiation Committee Established

In a major policy change, the federal government has merged multiple education-sector negotiation teams into one central body the Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Negotiating Committee for Tertiary Institutions.

This single committee will now handle discussions with:

• ASUU (universities)
  
• ASUP (polytechnics)
  
• COEASU (colleges of education)
  

“What we’ve done now is to expand one single committee,” Alausa explained.
“This unified body will engage both academic and non-academic unions across all tertiary institutions.”

 Ongoing Dialogue and No Ultimatums

Dr. Alausa dismissed circulating reports suggesting a four-week ultimatum to ASUU, clarifying that the government is “actively listening” and prioritizing peaceful dialogue.

He reiterated that most of ASUU’s key demands including salary arrears, promotion backlogs, and improved funding have already been addressed.

“We’re engaging continuously with ASUU leadership to ensure no disruption in the academic calendar,” he said.

 Background: ASUU’s Long Battle with the Federal Government

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has long clashed with successive governments over issues like:

• Unpaid salary and promotion arrears
  
• Funding for university infrastructure
  
• Implementation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement
  
• Disagreements over IPPIS and UTAS payment platforms
  

Frequent strikes have disrupted university calendars, affecting millions of students nationwide.

The Tinubu administration, however, appears determined to break the cycle by institutionalizing structured negotiations and timely responses.

 Hope for Lasting Peace in Nigerian Universities

With this new directive and structural reform, education stakeholders are optimistic that Nigeria may finally experience a stable and strike-free academic session in 2025/2026.

“We are confident that with political will and transparency, the era of endless ASUU strikes is nearing its end,” an education ministry insider told reporters.

Conclusion

President Tinubu’s firm directive and Minister Alausa’s reassurances mark a renewed federal commitment to educational stability in Nigeria.

With ASUU’s demands “largely met,” students and parents can look forward to an uninterrupted academic year if both parties sustain this new momentum.