FG dangles N150bn needs assessment fund, begs ASUU to hold back on strike

The federal government asked the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions to be patient as the final phase of negotiations concerning their conditions of service commences.

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, met with the technical working group on the conditions of service for public university lecturers in Abuja on Wednesday.

He expressed optimism that outstanding issues would soon be resolved to avert further industrial action.

“We have resolved a lot of these issues. But we know the final part is the condition of service. We will resolve that as well,” Alausa said.

“So we are pleading with the unions, both academic and non-academic and tertiary institutions to be patient. This government is sincere and we are truthful.”

Alausa noted that the government’s sincerity has been demonstrated over the past two years, through the payment of N50 billion in earned academic allowance.

“In addition, N150 billion was included in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, and this will be released in three tranches, with the first N50 billion ready,” the minister said.

He said promotion arrears and other outstanding allowances, including teaching and wage awards, have been addressed, with remaining areas to be cleared by 2026.

Alausa disclosed that the technical working group is finalising a counteroffer to be presented to the unions through the federal government’s tertiary institutions negotiations committee, latest by October 9.

This move, he said, aims to keep Nigerian students in school and avoid disruptions.

The minister acknowledged that while lecturers “deserve to be paid so much,” the government cannot meet all demands simultaneously.

He stressed that about 80 per cent of the unions’ demands are similar across tertiary institutions, with the remaining 20 per cent being sector-specific.

The solicitor general and officials of the justice ministry are involved in the negotiation to ensure the enforceability of all agreements reached.

ASUU earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum that expires on October 13, 2025, after which it intends to commence a two-week warning strike.

The strike, it said, is primarily to compel the government to sign and implement the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.

The agreement outlines the federal government’s commitments to significantly fund public universities for revitalisation, enhance the working conditions for academic staff, and ensure university autonomy.