By Erewunmi Peace

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has denied reports that the Federal Government signed any agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), insisting that the widely referenced documents are mere proposals and not binding agreements.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Dr. Alausa explained that documents from 2009, 2011, and 2021, often cited by ASUU in their negotiations, were never legally executed. According to him, “There is no signed agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU. What exists are proposals and draft documents that were never finalized or ratified.”

The minister emphasized that the government is committed to resolving ongoing issues with the union but will only do so through sustainable and constitutionally backed measures, rather than signing agreements that could cripple the economy or education sector in the long term.

He also dismissed reports claiming that meetings had been scheduled between ASUU and other government agencies to finalize negotiations, labeling such reports as misleading.

ASUU Reacts

In a swift response, ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, refuted the minister’s claims, stating that the 2009 agreement was indeed signed by both parties during the administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Piwuna insisted that the agreement remains valid and binding, noting that copies are available with the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other government agencies. He said:

“The 2009 agreement was properly signed. It contained provisions such as an improved salary structure, better funding for universities, and an increase in retirement age.”

The Way Forward

The Federal Government recently inaugurated a committee on education data and negotiations to find lasting solutions to the issues that have repeatedly led to industrial actions in Nigerian universities.

As both parties maintain their positions, stakeholders are calling for constructive dialogue to prevent another prolonged strike that could disrupt the academic calendar.