Education Minister Alausa says strike era in tertiary institutions is ending through stronger union ties.
He cites Tinubu’s directive, improved trust, and ongoing reforms in salary and agreement fulfillment.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to end recurring strikes in the nation’s tertiary institutions by strengthening its engagement with academic unions and fulfilling past agreements.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, Alausa said President Bola Tinubu had issued a clear directive to avoid further disruptions in the academic calendar.
“The President has directed that, not again and I’ll use your words not again ever in this country should ASUU or any of our tertiary institution unions go on strike,” the minister said.
He stressed the importance of trust and collaboration with various unions, including ASUU, NASU, SANU, and COEASU. According to him, restoring confidence and honoring commitments are central to the new approach.
“There has to be strong relationship-building with all the unions. More importantly, government must show sincerity by meeting its obligations. That’s the only way forward,” he added.
Alausa criticised past administrations for routinely failing to implement agreements reached with the unions.
“In the past, government would agree to terms, only to later default. That’s what we’re changing. We are actively engaging with them now,” he said.
On the issue of delayed salaries, the minister clarified that lecturers are still being paid, though the process has experienced delays due to the transition from IPPIS to GIFMIS.
“After tertiary institutions exited IPPIS which was quite restrictive the President approved their movement to GIFMIS to give them more control over funds. However, government salary payments usually begin on the 25th, and IPPIS users are paid first. That’s why university staff have sometimes been paid around the 8th or 9th of the next month,” Alausa explained.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to regular salary payments and transparent dealings with academic staff, adding that improvements are underway to ensure a more efficient payment system.
