FG Reaffirms Commitment to Honour University Union Deals

The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has pledged to uphold all agreements made with university-based unions, aiming to restore trust and end recurring strike actions in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. The assurance was given by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the 3rd quadrennial national delegate’s conference of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Alausa acknowledged the unions’ frustration due to past administrations’ unfulfilled promises, stating, “I understand your frustrations. Previous administrations entered agreements with unions that were often left unfulfilled, affecting the trust between labour and government. But let me assure you, President Tinubu is a democrat committed to honouring obligations and creating meaningful change.”

The Minister urged university unions to prioritise students’ welfare by choosing dialogue over strikes, stressing that industrial action should only be a last resort. He reassured the unions of the government’s dedication to constructive dialogue and meaningful change, revealing that a committee led by Alhaji Yahaya Ahmed, former Head of the Civil Service, has been established to handle negotiations. “Let’s prioritise the future of our children and keep them in school,” Alausa urged.

He emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to fair negotiations, adding, “Together, we can build a more robust education sector that serves the interests of all Nigerians.” Alausa highlighted the recent release of one month’s withheld salary out of four months owed to SSANU members as a sign of the administration’s commitment to addressing union concerns.

Former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, attributed frequent strikes to the government’s previous failure to respect collective bargaining agreements. SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, echoed this sentiment, calling on the government to meet outstanding demands, including the remaining three months of withheld salaries, N50 billion in Earned Allowance, and other wage arrears.

Alausa’s message seeks to lay a foundation of trust and partnership between the government and university unions, with a shared aim of stabilising Nigeria’s tertiary education and empowering future generations. Wizkid’s “Piece of My Heart” Sets Spotify Nigeria Record