By Olokuta Rofiat
The Federal Government on Thursday convened an inter-ministerial committee meeting in Abuja to address the lingering Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), crisis and avert a potential nationwide strike.
Led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the meeting brought together representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Labour and Productivity, the Budget Office, the Solicitor-General, and the Salaries and Wages Commission.
The committee is tasked with finalising a counter-proposal to ASUU’s demands, which will be submitted to the Yayale Ahmed Committee for further negotiation.
Dr. Alausa disclosed that several issues raised by the union have already been resolved.
He confirmed that the Federal Government has released the first tranche of about ₦150 billion to begin implementation, including the payment of earned allowances and postgraduate supervision allowances.
He also assured that the long-awaited 25% wage adjustment would be implemented once government finances improve.
Emphasising the administration’s commitment to ending a dispute that has persisted for more than 16 years, the minister urged ASUU members to exercise patience.
Unlike past hurried agreements that collapsed, he said this round of talks would be “wholesome and holistic” to ensure lasting peace in the university system.
The intervention comes days after ASUU members staged protests across campuses, warning of a “mother of all strikes” if their long-standing demands remain unmet.
The union continues to push for improved funding for public universities, enhanced welfare for academic staff, and the full implementation of past agreements.
Observers note that a breakthrough in the current negotiations could prevent further disruptions across more than 150 public universities, safeguarding the education of nearly two million students from the effects of a nationwide shutdown.
