No More ASUU Strikes Under Tinubu’s Watch — Education Minister
Tunji Alausa, minister of education, says President Bola Tinubu has given a clear directive that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions must never go on strike again.
Alausa disclosed on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme. His comments came shortly after the Yobe State University branch of ASUU called off a strike that began on July 11.
“This is what the president has mandated us to do. The president has directed that never again in this country will ASUU, or tertiary institution trade unions, go on strike,” he said.
The minister attributed recurring industrial actions to failed agreements under previous administrations, noting that while meetings were held with union leaders, the terms often went unfulfilled.
“They would sit with the unions, agree on terms, and then ask, ‘Tell us when you’re going to implement this.’ But over the years, the government would simply renege on those agreements,” Alausa said.
He emphasised the Tinubu administration’s commitment to active engagement and open communication with the unions.
“All the presidents of the unions — most of them — can call me directly. They have my number, and I have theirs. We are constantly communicating,” he said.
On lecturers’ salaries, Alausa clarified that payment delays were due to the transition from IPPIS to GIFMIS.
“We’re paying salaries regularly. What just happened is that after the tertiary institutions went off IPPIS, they are now on GIFMIS so that they have better control of their funds,” he added.
