- A Critical Juncture: The Choice Between Threats and Trust
Nigeria’s university system finds itself at a familiar and distressing crossroads once again. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has initiated a two-week warning strike, not out of convenience or defiance, but as a crucial reminder of the government’s unfulfilled commitments. Central to this deadlock is the Federal Government’s failure to honour the renegotiated agreement of 2009, designed to address the systemic failures in welfare (salaries and allowances), funding, infrastructure, etc within Nigerian universities.
Rather than pursue dialogue and demonstrate commitment, the Minister of Education, Dr. Alausa, has opted for confrontation. His recent declaration “No work, no pay” even before the strike commenced is not only counterproductive but also unbecoming of a democratic government that professes to value education as the cornerstone of national renewal.
To threaten intellectuals rather than engage them reflects a profound misunderstanding of the current situation. It indicates a government unwilling to uphold its promises and a minister disconnected from the realities facing the nation’s deteriorating tertiary sector. Strikes are very painful and unfortunate strategy to get government to listen and act. It should not be so.
2. The 2009 Agreement: A Covenant, Not a Favour
The 2009 ASUU–Federal Government Agreement is not an antiquated document; it remains a vital symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to its scholars and students. That is why it is not going away. This agreement was established to ensure improved remuneration, enhanced infrastructure, research funding, and respect for university autonomy. Fifteen years on, the fundamental commitments remain largely unmet.
Governments have consistently deferred responsibility, cloaking themselves in committees (committees to review the finished work of committees) and half-hearted measures. In Nigerian governance, we know when a government does not wish to solve a problem, it hides under several committees to look into the same issue. Yet, every administration has publicly acknowledged that no nation can progress beyond the quality of its universities.
When ASUU calls for the implementation of this agreement, it is not seeking privilege; it is advocating for justice. A contract freely entered into must be honoured; this is the essence of governance rooted in integrity.
3. The Minister’s “No Work, No Pay” Threat: A Leadership Shortcoming
Dr. Alausa’s reference to “no work, no pay” may seem legally convenient but is politically and morally indefensible. It implies that the government prioritises chastising and castigating scholars over resolving the crisis.
This approach is flawed on multiple fronts:
- It criminalises legitimate dissent. Industrial action in pursuit of collective bargaining is a democratic right, not an act of insurrection.
- It exacerbates brain drain. Repeated threats and withheld salaries drive Nigeria’s most talented individuals abroad. Each departing scholar represents a significant loss of national investment.
- It undermines negotiation. Dialogue should be founded on trust and respect, not coercion. Threats indicate weakness, not strength.
- Directing Vice Chancellors as house boys to implement an odd threat is very demeaning.
A responsible minister would pursue reconciliation rather than retribution. Leadership in education demands empathy, vision, and the humility to listen, not the arrogance of command.
4. Renewed Hope Must Commence with Honoured Promises
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu campaigned on a platform of Renewed Hope, pledging to reform education, restore confidence in public universities, and prioritise human capital development. Yet, recent actions contradict this vision. The ongoing impasse sends a message that the government’s word cannot be trusted—an assertion that undermines both domestic morale and international credibility.
If this administration genuinely believes in Renewed Hope, then such hope must transcend mere rhetoric. It must be realised through action:
- Release withheld salaries and promotion arrears.
- Grant academic staff and the university system generally a befitting salary.
- Implement the 2009 agreement as renegotiated with clear timelines.
- Fund university revitalisation through transparent budgetary commitments.
- Reaffirm academic freedom and institutional autonomy as you promised during your campaign
Anything less would be disingenuous.
5. A Moral and National Obligation
Nigeria’s universities are not merely workplaces; they are the engines of national progress. Every laboratory, library, and lecture hall shapes the next generation of doctors, engineers, and leaders. To neglect them is to jeopardise the country’s future.
To the government, this situation transcends a mere labour dispute; it is a moral test of leadership. To the minister, this represents a moment for humility, not hostility. And to the public, it serves as a reminder that silence in the face of injustice is complicity.
The time has arrived for Nigeria to honour its commitments, respect its intellectuals, and restore faith in public education. Threats cannot foster excellence, only commitment can.
6. Conclusion: Honour the Agreement, Secure the Future
Let it be unequivocally stated: ASUU’s call is not against Nigeria; it is in support of Nigeria. It is a call to restore dignity, rebuild trust, and demonstrate that the nation’s leaders comprehend the true meaning of honour.
Dr. Alausa’s “no work, no pay” ultimatum is the incorrect response to the right question. The genuine solution lies in honest dialogue, faithful implementation, and respect for the sacred covenant established in 2009 and renegotiated under his watch.
If this administration genuinely seeks Renewed Hope, it must commence by renewing its integrity, through action, not threats.
Nigeria’s scholars have waited long enough. It is time for the government to fulfil its commitments. Seize this opportunity and end this very unfortunate recurrent strikes in the university system once and for all as you told Nigerians during the campaigns.
- Professor Ukertor Gabriel Moti is of the University of Abuja
