Education Minister Reaffirms 2009 ASUU Agreement

Nigeria’s Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, has clarified that the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is still valid and enforceable.

The statement, issued on Friday by the ministry, reversed the minister’s earlier claim that no such agreement existed.

On Thursday, Minister Alausa told reporters in Abuja that there was “no signed agreement” with ASUU, suggesting that the 2009 and 2011 documents often cited by the union were only drafts and not legally binding.

His remarks drew swift criticism from ASUU, which has consistently maintained that the government is obligated to honor the agreement.

In its Friday release, the Ministry of Education confirmed that:

• The 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement is still in force.

• The agreement remains legally binding on both parties.

• Government recognizes the need for clarity in ongoing discussions with ASUU.

The ministry’s clarification aims to ease tensions and restore confidence amid recurring disputes between the government and university lecturers.

The 2009 ASUU agreement has been at the heart of Nigeria’s recurring university strikes for more than a decade. It covers issues such as:

• Improved lecturers’ welfare and salaries

• University funding and infrastructure

• Academic autonomy and conditions of service

Acknowledging its validity could influence future negotiations and possibly prevent fresh disruptions in the nation’s tertiary education system.