The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the recurring strikes in tertiary institutions. Promising better engagement with academic unions and strict adherence to agreements.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known during an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu had issued a firm directive to prevent future disruptions in the country’s higher education sector.
“The President has directed that never again in this country will ASUU or any tertiary institution union go on strike,” Alausa emphasized.
The minister stressed that achieving this goal requires relationship-building with unions such as ASUU, NASU, SANU, and COEASU, coupled with Nigerian government demonstrating genuine goodwill. He criticized previous administrations for failing to implement agreements, which fueled repeated industrial actions.
“In the past, agreements were reached but never executed. This administration is actively engaging the unions and honoring commitments,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about salary delays. Alausa clarified that the government has not stopped paying lecturers. He explained that the shift from IPPIS to GIFMIS which gives institutions better financial control temporarily affected payment timelines.
According to him, the federal government processes salaries starting from the 25th of each month. Prioritizing IPPIS first, which led to some payments arriving around the 8th or 9th of the following month.
Alausa assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration is committed to stabilizing the academic calendar. Also improving communication with unions, and ensuring that strikes become a thing of the past in Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
This renewed commitment signals hope for students, parents, and educators, as the government works to restore lasting stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
