“No need for any strike” – Education Minister engages ASUU

Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa reassured yesterday that every effort is being made to keep tertiary institutions operational amid discussions with academic unions. He urged unions that had issued strike notices to reconsider their plans, emphasizing that current negotiations are comprehensive and designed to resolve long-standing grievances without disruption.

Dr. Alausa told the press that the government is actively addressing the concerns raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP). He cautioned against precipitate work stoppages and stressed the importance of thorough dialogue to reach durable agreements.

The unions have collectively outlined issues including delayed payments, unmet agreements, and working condition reforms. ASUP’s 21-day strike ultimatum expired recently, while SSANIP issued a similar notice in late August. ASUU organized a one-day nationwide protest on August 26 to draw attention to their demands.

ASUP President Shammah Kpanja mentioned that five meetings have been arranged to iron out contentious points, with outcomes guiding future actions. ASUU President Christopher Piwuna indicated that branch chairmen are consulting members before announcing the union’s next steps publicly.

The minister disclosed that the government has expanded the negotiation committee, initially led by Yayale Ahmed, to include all relevant unions for a more unified approach. He stressed that the goal is to harmonize efforts so that the interests of ASUU, ASUP, and COEASU are all addressed collectively.

He added that this administration, under President Bola Tinubu, is determined to fulfill promises with integrity, rejecting superficial pacts merely designed to avert strikes.

Union demands cover a range of concerns such as release of unpaid salaries, funding for public university revitalization, implementation of wage reevaluations, and addressing systemic obstacles within polytechnics.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) reiterated plans to commence an indefinite strike this week if outstanding welfare issues are not resolved. NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara lamented the absence of positive feedback from government representatives despite recent meetings, warning of serious consequences for healthcare delivery if their demands remain unmet.

The government has so far restated its commitment to reconcile budgets with academic and healthcare workers’ expectations, aiming to keep education and medical services uninterrupted.