FG DECLARES END TO STRIKES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
FG DECLARES END TO STRIKES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
Government cites 2025 ASUU agreement, salary increases, improved funding for stability The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared an end to strike actions in the nation’s tertiary institutions, assuring Nigerians of uninterrupted academic calendars following a landmark agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who said the government had resolved long-standing disputes with university lecturers and other stakeholder Alausa stated that strike actions, which have historically disrupted Nigeria’s university system, have now been permanently addressed. He assured parents and students that universities and polytechnics across the country would continue academic activities without interruption.
The development follows the signing of a comprehensive agreement between the government and ASUU in January 2026, widely referred to as the 2025 agreement.
Key components of the deal include
- A 40% salary increase for academic staff
- Improved pension and welfare packages
- Renewed commitment to sustainable funding of universities
Officials say the agreement addresses long-standing issues that have fueled repeated industrial actions over the years.
According to the government
- Between 90–95% of tertiary institutions have begun implementing the new salary structure
- Payments were initiated using reallocated funds pending full budget approval
- Most universities have resumed stable academic activities
The minister added that issues with non-academic unions are also being finalised to ensure a comprehensive resolution across the sector.
The Federal Government emphasised that the reforms are aimed at ensuring:
- Continuous academic sessions
- Improved staff welfare
- Long-term stability in the education sector
Officials described the agreement as a turning point after decades of recurring disputes between government and university unions.
Nigeria’s tertiary education system has been plagued by repeated industrial actions, often linked to funding gaps and unmet agreements.
In the past decade alone:
- Thousands of academic days were lost to strikes
- Students experienced prolonged disruptions to their education The government says the latest reforms are designed to permanently break that cycle With the new agreement in place and implementation ongoing, authorities are optimistic that Nigeria’s tertiary institutions will experience a new era of stability. However, stakeholders note that sustained funding and full execution of agreements will be critical to maintaining long-term peace in the sector.
