Government Breaks Silence: Reacts Quickly To ASUU’s Sudden Strike Declaration

The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned two-week warning strike and embrace dialogue as the most viable path to resolving outstanding disputes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a joint statement released on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing all issues raised by the union.

The appeal followed ASUU’s announcement earlier on Sunday declaring a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities in Nigeria.
ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, made the declaration during a press briefing at the University of Abuja, directing all university branches to withdraw their services beginning midnight, Monday, October 13, 2025.

In a swift response, the government urged ASUU to reconsider its decision, stressing that constructive dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable approach to resolving disputes within the tertiary education sector.

According to the statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the government has made a comprehensive offer addressing ASUU’s key concerns — including improved working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare — and is awaiting the union’s official response.

The statement further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a robust Teaching Allowance to better reflect the value of academic work and boost lecturer motivation across public universities.

“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are already being handled,” the statement read.
“The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received.”

The Ministers reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system, noting that ongoing education reforms are built on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening.

They also clarified that some of ASUU’s demands — particularly those concerning internal governance, promotions, and appointments — fall under the autonomy of university governing councils, urging the union to allow these processes to run their due course.

On the issue of industrial action, the government warned that it might invoke the “No Work, No Pay” policy if ASUU proceeds with the strike but maintained that it remains open to dialogue.

“While government is committed to peaceful dialogue, it will also enforce existing laws to safeguard the integrity of the education system,” the statement added.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take precedence over disputes. We are ready to work with ASUU to build on the progress already made in welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.”