The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that it is working to prevent fresh strikes in tertiary institutions amid threats of industrial action by academic unions.
Minister of Education, Prof. Tunji Alausa, said on Sunday that the government was engaged in “holistic negotiations” with the unions, stressing that strikes were unnecessary while talks were ongoing.
He appealed to unions that have issued strike notices to suspend their planned actions, noting that steps were being taken to meet their demands.
Tension heightened at the weekend after the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) confirmed the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum, which followed its NEC meeting in Abuja on August 14. ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, said the union had held several meetings with government officials and scheduled five more sessions, adding that the outcomes would determine its next move.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has also declared 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, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, said branch chairmen were deliberating on possible next steps.
Responding, Alausa said the administration had expanded the Yayale Ahmed committee to harmonise negotiations with all tertiary education unions under one framework.
“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.
He explained that unlike previous administrations, the Tinubu government was committed to an inclusive and transparent process, even though resources remained limited.
“We will meet their needs as much as possible. Funding is critical, but government resources are limited. Still, we are committed to an honest, transparent process done with mutual respect,” he added.
The minister further assured that President Bola Tinubu was determined to ensure that Nigerian students remain in school.
“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 said.
