Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have formally signed and unveiled a new agreement designed to strengthen Nigeria’s university education system and promote long-term industrial harmony.
According to a report by Channels Television, the agreement replaces the controversial 2009 pact, which had been at the centre of repeated industrial actions between the lecturers’ union and successive governments.
The signing ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja. It drew key stakeholders in the education sector, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, and top officials of ASUU.
Speaking at the unveiling, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the union was cautiously hopeful that the Federal Government would honour the new agreement without the usual delays that often spark strikes.
“We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but pessimism still exists because of our history,” Prof. Piwuna said.
“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.”
On his part, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the pact as a major milestone and a clear break from the past, noting that it signals a renewed commitment to stability in the tertiary education sector.
“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 added that the agreement reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to prioritise quality education and ensure uninterrupted academic calendars in public tertiary institutions.
“Today’s agreement is a clear and unprecedented demonstration of the commitment of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to quality education and an uninterrupted academic calendar for all Nigerian students in our tertiary institutions,” the minister stated.
Stakeholders at the event expressed hope that the new agreement would finally put an end to the cycle of disputes and strikes that have disrupted academic activities in Nigerian universities for over a decade.
