Nigeria Government, Academic Union Reach New Education Agreement

The Nigerian government has reached an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to formalise a new framework aimed at strengthening the country’s tertiary education sector.

In a statement, the Ministry of Education said the agreement underscores the government’s commitment to constructive engagement with organised academic bodies and its preference for resolving labour disputes through dialogue rather than industrial action.

The agreement follows years of negotiations between the government and ASUU over longstanding challenges affecting public universities, including funding gaps, infrastructure deficits, and conditions of service for academic staff.

The document was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Education by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja.
The ceremony will be presided over by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad.

The development comes shortly after ASUU issued a 14-day ultimatum, raising concerns over a possible nationwide strike. However, the planned industrial action was suspended following intensive discussions between the union and government representatives over the weekend.
Officials say the agreement is expected to stabilise the academic calendar and improve learning conditions across Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions.