FG Clarifies Statement on Agreement With ASUU

The Federal Government has issued a clarification following remarks made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, concerning agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In a statement released by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folashade Boriowo, the government confirmed that the last formally signed agreement between both parties remains the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement.

The clarification came after the minister was quoted as saying there had never been a signed agreement with ASUU, sparking confusion among stakeholders. According to the ministry, the minister’s comment referred specifically to the 2021 draft Nimi Briggs document, which was never signed by the Federal Government.

The 2009 Agreement Remains Binding

The statement emphasized that the 2009 agreement is still the most recent and binding document between the government and ASUU. While subsequent efforts have been made to renegotiate its terms, including the inauguration of a renegotiation committee in 2017 by then Education Minister Mallam Adamu Adamu, no new signed agreement has been reached since then.

The renegotiation process produced the draft Nimi Briggs Agreement in May 2021. However, the government clarified that this draft was never signed and therefore cannot be considered binding. Instead, it remains a working framework for ongoing discussions with ASUU.

Government’s Position on ASUU Dispute

Reaffirming its stance, the Ministry of Education noted that the Federal Government remains committed to resolving the long-standing issues with ASUU in a sustainable and constitutionally backed manner.

“The 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement remains the last formally signed agreement. The 2021 Nimi Briggs draft agreement was not signed but serves as the latest framework for discussions,” the statement read.

The ministry urged the public and stakeholders to disregard any misinterpretation of the minister’s earlier comments, stressing that the government is focused on ensuring stability in the university system and preventing further disruptions caused by strikes.

Moving Forward

With the clarification, the Federal Government reiterated its commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to find lasting solutions to the challenges affecting public universities. The government also assured that consultations with ASUU and other relevant stakeholders would continue until a resolution that safeguards academic stability is achieved.