Key points
- Federal Government says ASUU strike era is over following 2025 agreement.
- 40% salary increase for lecturers already being implemented in most institutions.
- Talks with NASU nearing completion to ensure stability across tertiary institutions.
Main story
The Federal Government has declared an end to strike actions in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, assuring that universities and polytechnics will remain open for uninterrupted academic sessions.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance in Lagos during the presentation of awards to beneficiaries of a students’ venture capital grant initiative.
Alausa said the government had resolved longstanding disputes with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) under the 2025 agreement, which includes a 40 per cent salary increase, improved pension structure and enhanced funding for universities.
He dismissed reports of a looming strike by university lecturers as unfounded, insisting that all issues with ASUU had been addressed.
“Our tertiary institutions will remain open. There is no cause for concern about strikes. We have resolved these issues, and the academic staff are satisfied,” he said.
The minister further disclosed that implementation of the salary increase had already commenced in most institutions, with about 90 to 95 per cent of universities reportedly effecting the new pay structure.
The issues
Nigeria’s tertiary education system has long been plagued by recurring industrial actions, largely driven by disputes over funding, welfare and working conditions.
These disruptions have significantly affected academic calendars, delayed graduations and undermined confidence in the education system.
Concerns, however, remain over the sustainability of agreements and the government’s ability to fully implement its commitments.
What’s being said
Alausa said the current administration had taken decisive steps to resolve a crisis that had persisted for over two decades.
“This is an agreement that lingered for about 20 years, and we have addressed it comprehensively. Our youth are the heartbeat of this nation, and we must keep them engaged in school,” he said.
On the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), the minister said negotiations were at an advanced stage and would be concluded soon.
“We have drafted the agreement and will sign it in the coming weeks. Our goal is to ensure stability across all levels of staff in tertiary institutions,” he added.
What’s next
The Federal Government is expected to finalise its agreement with NASU in the coming weeks, completing negotiations with key unions in the tertiary education sector.
Authorities are also expected to sustain funding commitments and monitor implementation of the agreements to prevent future disputes.
Bottom line
While the Federal Government’s declaration signals a potential end to disruptive strikes in tertiary institutions, stakeholders say sustained implementation and trust-building will be critical to ensuring long-term stability in Nigeria’s education sector.
