The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that strikes in universities and polytechnics are now a thing of the past, promising uninterrupted academic activities across the country.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance during the presentation of awards under the Student Venture Capital Grant initiative held at the UNDP Innovation Hub in Ikoyi, Lagos.
He explained that the government had addressed long-standing disagreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, following a 2025 agreement that includes a 40 percent salary increase, improved pension plans, and better funding for universities. He also noted that discussions with the Non-Academic Staff Union are nearing completion.
The minister dismissed recent reports of a possible strike as false, clarifying that the ASUU president, Chris Piwuna, was misquoted. According to him, the government and unions have reached a lasting resolution.
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Alausa stated that most tertiary institutions have already begun paying the new salary structure since January 2026, using funds reallocated from the 2025 budget while awaiting full implementation of the 2026 budget.
He also addressed concerns about disruptions in some schools, including the University of Lagos, explaining that such reports were due to internal misunderstandings rather than actual industrial action.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the minister said President Bola Tinubu has played a key role in resolving disputes and ensuring stability in the education sector.
He added that the goal is to keep students in school without interruption while improving the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff.
