President Bola Tinubu’s administration has promised to end the 16-year conflict between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the government, and ensure that universities remain open for students.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, on Friday.

He said Mr Tinubu has directed the ministry, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to deliver an agreement that is practical, affordable, and constitutionally sound, as the government would no longer endorse “unsustainable agreements” that often collapse and trigger fresh disputes.

Mr Alausa noted that Mr Tinubu had mandated him and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba  Ahmad, to work with all stakeholders to resolve the issue permanently. 

“Nigerians can be assured that this process is being handled with the highest level of diligence, accountability, and honesty of purpose,” he noted.

The minister emphasised that the recent ASUU protests would not result in strikes, as the government has been engaging the union constructively. 

He mentioned that progress has been made on earned academic allowances, and the payment of the remaining 25/35 per cent wage arrears will begin alongside payments to other public servants.

Mr Alausa said a meeting convened at the ministry on Friday reviewed ASUU’s proposals line, with attendance from the Minister of Labour and Productivity, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, permanent secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Labour, and Justice, as well as the executive secretary of the NUC, the executive secretary of TETFund, the Budget Office, and the chairman of the Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

To advance negotiations, a technical committee chaired by the education ministry’s permanent secretary, Abel Enitan, has been tasked to create a new, improved version of the agreement “that will be presented to the Yayale Ahmed-led Committee for further negotiations with ASUU. 

“Unlike in the past, the Ministry of Justice will be fully involved in the process to ensure that the final agreement aligns with constitutional provisions.”

Mr Alausa added, “With mutual respect and continuous dialogue, we are optimistic of delivering a resolution that will end the cycle of disputes and strikes. President Tinubu strongly believes that young people are the heartbeat of this nation, and he is determined to keep our children in school.”