Abuja | July 30, 2025
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha Alausa, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to halt any further strike actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other labour groups in the education sector.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, Alausa emphasized that the president is deeply concerned about the persistent disruptions in the nation’s higher education system and has mandated the Ministry of Labour and Employment to proactively resolve grievances before they escalate into industrial actions.
“President Tinubu has given us a clear mandate: never again should Nigerian students be forced to vacate campuses because of strikes,” she said. “We’ve been instructed to work closely with unions like ASUU to address their concerns through dialogue and policy reforms.”
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government is working on implementing sustainable solutions to the lingering issues in the education sector, including delayed salaries, infrastructure deficits, and funding challenges. She assured that new engagement mechanisms are being introduced to enhance communication between the government and university-based unions.
The president’s directive follows repeated threats by ASUU and other unions over unmet agreements, especially relating to revitalization funds, earned academic allowances, and the implementation of a university autonomy framework.
Nigerian universities have suffered from prolonged strikes over the years, resulting in lost academic sessions and widespread criticism of the country’s higher education system. Alausa reiterated that the current administration is committed to reversing the trend through long-term investment, dialogue, and mutual respect.
“Education is the backbone of national development, and this administration is determined to restore public trust in our institutions. Strikes must no longer be an option,” she added.
The ministry has also hinted at plans to review labour laws and create a more structured dispute resolution mechanism in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
