FG Denies Signing 2009 Draft Agreement Document With ASUU

FG has denied signing 2009 Draft Agreement Document with ASUU.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has clarified that the Federal Government has not signed any enforceable agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday amid ongoing ASUU protests across the country, Alausa emphasized that the existing document with the union is a draft, not a legally binding accord.

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He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu-led administration is committed to sustainable, constitutionally-backed solutions rather than entering into “bogus or unsustainable” agreements. According to the Minister, the government aims to implement measures that will ensure uninterrupted learning in Nigerian universities.

“We are committed to solving this problem once and for all. What has lingered since the 2009 and 2021 agreements will now be addressed in a sustainable way. The President has made it clear that every promise made to ASUU and Nigerians will be fulfilled truthfully and honestly,” Alausa said.

Background

The standoff between ASUU and the Federal Government dates back to 2009, when both parties reached an agreement on improved funding for universities, staff welfare, and infrastructure development. Successive governments have been accused of failing to implement the deal, leading to recurring strikes that disrupt academic calendars.

In 2022, ASUU embarked on an eight-month strike, one of the longest in Nigeria’s history, demanding implementation of the 2009 agreement and renegotiations to address current realities. Although temporary resolutions were reached, the union maintains that key demands—particularly regarding funding and salary structures—remain unmet.

The recent nationwide protests highlight ongoing frustration, with ASUU warning that unresolved issues could trigger further industrial action.

High-Level Stakeholder Meeting

Alausa revealed that on Wednesday, August 28, the Ministry of Education convened a high-level meeting with relevant stakeholders to review and harmonize ASUU’s proposals.

The session included the Minister of State for Education, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Labour, and Justice, as well as leaders of agencies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Salaries and Wages Commission, and the Budget Office.