The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has dismissed widespread reports suggesting that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is currently on strike. He reaffirmed that all federal tertiary institutions across the country remain fully operational and academically stable.
This clarification was issued in a press statement signed by Mrs Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to Dr Alausa, the current period of uninterrupted academic activity in federal universities — the longest in decades — is a result of deliberate and consistent dialogue between the Federal Government and academic unions. He noted that the government remains committed to sustaining this stability.
“It is not by chance that our public universities have enjoyed over two years of academic harmony,” the Minister said. “This outcome is the product of ongoing engagement, mutual respect, and a phased implementation of union agreements.”
Dr Alausa highlighted that improving the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff remains a top priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to invest significantly in human capital development.
He reassured students, parents, and other stakeholders that the Federal Government is working closely with university-based unions to address concerns and prevent disruptions to the academic calendar.
“Our students are the heartbeat of this nation. Their education must not be interrupted,” he said. “We will continue to work collaboratively to ensure that our institutions stay open and our academic calendar remains protected.”
The Minister urged the general public to disregard any misleading claims of an ongoing ASUU strike, describing the current atmosphere of peace in the university system as a shared national achievement that must be nurtured and preserved.