FG Vows to End Strikes in Tertiary Institutions, Pledges Improved Union Engagement — Education Minister

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the cycle of strikes in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, promising consistent dialogue and the fulfilment of agreements with academic unions.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, Alausa revealed that President Bola Tinubu has issued a clear directive to prevent any future disruptions in higher education.

“The President has made it clear — never again will ASUU or any other academic union in our tertiary institutions go on strike,” the minister declared.

Alausa stressed the importance of building strong relationships with all relevant unions, including ASUU, NASU, SANU, and COEASU, noting that the government must show sincerity by honouring its commitments.

“It’s not just about meetings; it’s about trust. Previous governments often made agreements with unions and failed to implement them. We are changing that narrative. This administration is engaging actively and intends to fulfill all obligations,” he said.

Responding to concerns over delayed salaries, the minister clarified that the Federal Government has continued to pay salaries and that recent delays were due to a transition in payment platforms.

“We didn’t stop paying salaries. What happened was that after tertiary institutions opted out of IPPIS — which was too restrictive — the President approved their move to GIFMIS for better financial autonomy,” Alausa explained.

He added that the government prioritizes IPPIS-linked payments first, which sometimes delays salary disbursement to institutions now on GIFMIS. “Unfortunately, that has meant payments have occasionally come around the 8th or 9th of the next month. We’re working to streamline this,” he said.

Alausa reiterated the administration’s resolve to reform the education sector by fostering stability, improving trust with unions, and ensuring that the era of academic disruptions becomes a thing of the past.