The Nigerian government has assured that it will ensure students remain in school, dismissing worries about looming strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa stated this in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the Gender Inclusion Summit organized by the Policy Innovation Centre organised by the Policy Innovation Centre on Wednesday in Abuja. “We will keep our children in school,” the minister said.
Alausa’s assurance comes amid ongoing talks between the government and ASUU over the non-implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, which includes sustainable funding of Nigerian universities, revitalisation of the university system, payment of outstanding 25–35 per cent salary arrears, stagnated promotions for over four years, unremitted third-party deductions, and victimisation of colleagues in some institutions.
The 2009 agreement was the last signed deal between the Federal Government and ASUU.
But speaking at the event, the minister emphasised that the government is engaging with ASUU and other trade unions with the highest level of mutual respect, adding that there is no need for private conversations to be made public.
“I will tell you, we are engaging. I told you we will deal with ASUU and other trade unions with the highest level of mutual respect.
“We will continue to talk to them. I don’t want to come on TV to start talking about private conversations with them, but what I can assure you is that ASUU will not go on strike; we will keep our children in school.
This is a responsible government, and we will keep, we will ensure that our children stay in school.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to improve the education sector, including the migration of West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council exams to computer-based testing.
According to Alausa, this move aims to reduce examination malpractices and improve the quality of education.
