Fresh Strike Scare: FG Reacts As ASUP, ASUU Plot Nationwide Disruption

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to avert fresh strikes across the country’s tertiary institutions.

In an interview with The Nation on Sunday, Alausa revealed that government representatives are engaged in “holistic negotiations” with academic unions, emphasizing that strike actions are unnecessary while talks are still ongoing.

He appealed to unions that have already issued strike notices to suspend their planned industrial actions, assuring them that steps are being taken to address their demands.

Tensions escalated on Sunday after the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) confirmed the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum, issued after its NEC meeting in Abuja on August 14. ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, disclosed that the union has already met with government officials several times, with five additional meetings scheduled. He said the outcomes of these discussions would determine the union’s next move.

Similarly, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) announced a 21-day strike notice effective August 27, while the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) staged nationwide protests on August 26 to press home their demands. ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, noted that the union’s branch chairmen had convened to deliberate on possible next steps.

Despite the rising anxiety, Alausa reiterated the government’s commitment to keeping students in school.

“I have met with them and assured them that government is working to meet its commitments. They have given us proposals and we are working on our responses. Whatever we do must be comprehensive enough to address the concerns of ASUU, ASUP, and COEASU together,” he said.

According to him, previous governments conducted negotiations in a fragmented manner, but the Tinubu administration has expanded the Yayale Ahmed committee to include all unions under one negotiation framework.

“We will meet their needs as much as possible. We know funding is critical, but government resources are limited. Still, we are committed to an honest, transparent process done with mutual respect,” Alausa stressed.

The minister further assured that President Bola Tinubu is determined to ensure Nigerian students remain in school, describing him as a leader who delivers on his promises.

“These challenges have been ongoing for over 16 years. We have already addressed some pressing issues, while others like conditions of service are still being worked on. Importantly, we continue to keep the unions updated every step of the way,” Alausa added.