The Federal Government has not entered into any binding agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), contrary to claims in some quarters, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said on Thursday.
Speaking to journalists on the ongoing ASUU protests nationwide, Alausa clarified that the document circulating in the public is only a draft, not a signed accord.
He emphasised government’s commitment to addressing the union’s concerns, noting that President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry to work out a sustainable solution that would ensure uninterrupted academic activities.
“The administration is not interested in bogus or unsustainable agreements. We are determined to reach an accord that is implementable and constitutionally backed,” he stated.
Alausa also expressed optimism that ASUU’s current demonstrations would not escalate into a strike, stressing that government has been engaging the union “continuously and meticulously.”
He said, “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.”
The minister revealed that a high-level meeting was held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, with key stakeholders to review ASUU’s proposals. Those in attendance included the Ministers of State for Education and Labour, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Education, Labour and Justice, as well as heads of critical agencies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Salaries and Wages Commission, and the Budget Office.
According to him, the proposals were examined line by line and will be refined by a technical team before submission to the Yayale Ahmed-led committee tasked with renegotiating the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement.
“We want an agreement where every component is actionable and feasible. Nigerians can be assured that this government will keep schools open and ensure our children remain in classrooms,” Alausa said.
He added that, unlike in the past, the Ministry of Justice will be fully involved in the process to guarantee that the final agreement aligns with constitutional provisions.
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