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 promoting lasting industrial harmony.
The agreement was signed and publicly unveiled on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja, marking a fresh round of engagement between the government and the lecturers’ union.
The ceremony attracted key stakeholders in the education sector, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, acknowledged the long and often turbulent history between the union and successive governments but said ASUU remains cautiously optimistic that the new agreement would be honoured.
According to him, the union hopes that implementation of the agreement would not follow the familiar pattern where strikes become the only means of enforcement.
“We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but pessimism still exists because of our history,” Prof. Piwuna said.
He expressed confidence in the current leadership of the education ministry, stressing that ASUU expects a departure from past 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.
