The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the final stage of talks with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions, aiming to resolve outstanding issues and prevent a looming strike across tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday in Abuja, disclosed that the government’s Technical Working Group on Conditions of Service for ASUU is finalizing a counter-offer to be presented through the Allied General United Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Negotiations Committee.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that about 80 percent of the union’s demands are common across tertiary institutions, with the remaining 20 percent addressing sector-specific concerns.
The government has notably adopted a unified negotiation approach, replacing previous separate committees handling universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, to enhance efficiency and coherence in talks.
Several initiatives by the government reiterate the commitment of the administration, including the disbursement of ₦50 billion for earned academic allowances and the allocation of ₦150 billion in the 2025 budget for the revitalization of tertiary institutions, to be released in tranches.
Other key issues such as promotion arrears, wage awards, and teaching allowances have been addressed, with plans to clear all outstanding payments by 2026.
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