The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a new agreement aimed at improving the quality of Nigeria’s university education system and ensuring long-term stability in the sector.
The agreement, which replaces the controversial 2009 pact that triggered multiple nationwide strikes, was officially signed and unveiled on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja.
The event was attended by key stakeholders in the education sector, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad; senior government officials; and ASUU leaders.
Speaking at the unveiling, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the union is cautiously optimistic that the Federal Government will fully implement the new agreement without the need for industrial action.
According to him, ASUU’s past experiences with successive governments have created understandable skepticism, but the union hopes the current administration will break away from that pattern.
“We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but pessimism still exists because of our history,” Piwuna said.
He added that ASUU believes the current Minister of Education will adopt a more responsive and transparent approach to engagement with the union.
“It is our belief that Dr. Tunji Alausa will be different, and that our union will not need to issue a strike threat before any part of this agreement is implemented. As you always say, you are open and accessible; ASUU is also open and accessible,” he stated.
The ASUU president stressed that sustained dialogue and good faith implementation remain critical to preventing future disruptions in the academic calendar.
In his remarks, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa described the agreement as a historic turning point for Nigeria’s tertiary education system, marking a new era of trust and cooperation between the government and university lecturers.
“This occasion represents far more than the presentation of a document; it symbolises renewed trust, restored confidence, and a decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system,” Alausa said.
He attributed the breakthrough to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to reforming the education sector and ensuring uninterrupted academic activities in public universities.
“Today’s agreement is a clear and unprecedented demonstration of the commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to quality education and an uninterrupted academic calendar for all Nigerian students in our tertiary institutions,” the minister added.
Stakeholders at the event expressed hope that the new pact would finally address long-standing issues that have repeatedly led to strikes, disrupted learning, and delayed graduation timelines for students across the country.
More details coming…
