By Deborah Nnamdi
The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have formally signed and unveiled a new agreement aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s university education system and fostering lasting industrial harmony.
The agreement was signed and publicly presented on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja, marking a fresh phase of engagement between the government and the lecturers’ union.
The event was attended by key stakeholders in the education sector, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, alongside other senior officials and union leaders.
Speaking at the ceremony, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, acknowledged the long and often turbulent relationship between the union and successive governments, noting that ASUU remains cautiously optimistic about the full implementation of the new agreement.
He said the union hopes the deal would be honoured without resorting to industrial action, which has frequently been used in the past to enforce agreements.
“We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but pessimism still exists because of our history,” Piwuna said.
He expressed confidence in the current leadership of the education ministry, stressing that ASUU expects a clear departure from previous practices.
“It is our belief that Dr. Tunji Alausa will be different, and that our union will not need to issue a strike threat before any part of this agreement is implemented. As you always say, you are open and accessible; ASUU is also open and accessible,” he added.
