President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu has directed that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU) and other tertiary education unions should no longer embark on strike actions. This directive aims to maintain industrial harmony in the education sector and prevent disruptions to academic activities.
The government plans to achieve this through regular dialogue with union leaders, addressing grievances before they escalate, and honoring agreements. Alausa stressed the importance of building strong relationships with unions, unlike past governments that reneged on agreements. The minister highlighted the administration’s education reforms, which are beginning to yield positive results, such as Nigerian public universities featuring in international rankings.
The government will engage with ASSU, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to address concerns and prevent strikes. Alausa dismissed rumors of an impending strike, assuring that the government is committed to proactive engagement and honoring agreements.
This directive comes after ASUU’s Yobe State University chapter called off its strike, which began on July 11, 2025, following a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Yobe State Government. The government’s emphasis on maintaining industrial harmony in the education sector is expected to promote a stable academic environment and prevent unnecessary disruptions .
