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Minister of Education confirms no binding ASUU/FG agreement exists from 2009
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Government engages union to ensure sustainable, constitutionally backed solutions
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High-level technical committee to produce actionable, enforceable report
The Federal Government has officially denied signing a binding agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), with the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, clarifying that the 2009 document often cited by the union is only a draft.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Alausa sought to dispel public misconception over the union’s ongoing protests, stressing that the administration led by President Tinubu remains committed to sustainable, legally enforceable solutions for Nigeria’s universities.
Contrary to speculation, Alausa explained, the government has not entered any enforceable accord with ASUU.
He reiterated that entering into “bogus or unsustainable agreements” is not in the administration’s interest, highlighting the aim to secure measures that guarantee uninterrupted academic activities.
“We are committed to solving this problem once and for all. What has lingered since the 2009 and 2021 agreements will now be addressed in a sustainable way. The President has made it clear that every promise made to ASUU and Nigerians will be fulfilled truthfully and honestly,” he stated.
The Minister provided context on the long-standing standoff, noting that successive governments’ failure to implement the 2009 agreement—which covered university funding, staff welfare, and infrastructure—has been a central factor in recurrent strikes. In 2022, ASUU staged an eight-month strike, one of the longest in Nigeria’s history, demanding adherence to the 2009 agreement and updated negotiations.
On Wednesday, August 28, a high-level meeting convened by the Ministry of Education reviewed ASUU’s proposals. Participants included the Minister of State for Education, Minister of Labour and Productivity, the Solicitor-General, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Labour, and Justice, and leaders of agencies such as the National Universities Commission, the Salaries and Wages Commission, and the Budget Office.
Alausa explained that a technical team is now working to produce a final, actionable report, which will be submitted to the Yayale Ahmed-led committee tasked with renegotiating the 2009 agreement.
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Future agreements, he assured, would be practical, legally enforceable, and fully compliant with constitutional provisions, with the Ministry of Justice directly involved for the first time to prevent past discrepancies.
“We want an agreement where every component is actionable and feasible. Nigerians can be assured that this government will keep our schools open and ensure our children remain in classrooms,” he added.
