FG assures academic unions of fulfilled agreements, urges restraint on strikes
The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Alausa, has assured academic-based unions that the government of President Bola Tinubu will honour agreements made with them, including the payment of the remaining 50 percent of withheld salaries.
He called for a constructive approach to addressing labour issues, urging unions to prioritise dialogue over strikes for the sake of Nigeria’s educational future.
Speaking at the 3rd Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) in Abuja on Wednesday, Alausa acknowledged the long-standing frustrations of unions, particularly over previous administrations’ failure to fulfil agreements.
However, he stressed that under President Tinubu, the government is determined to restore trust and deliver on promises made to the unions.
“I understand your frustrations,” Alausa stated. “Previous administrations entered agreements with unions that were often left unfulfilled, eroding trust. But President Tinubu is a Democrat committed to honouring his obligations and making difficult decisions for long-term benefits.”
The Minister also highlighted the financial challenges inherited from the previous administration, including unsustainable subsidy policies and artificially low exchange rates, which he said drained the country’s resources and left critical sectors, such as education, underfunded.
He pointed out that the former subsidies cost the nation nearly $1 billion daily, while maintaining the exchange rate deficit added $500 million monthly.
Alausa reassured the unions that the Tinubu administration is making concerted efforts to address their grievances.
“We have assembled a committee led by respected individuals, such as Alhaji Yahaya Ahmed, to engage in respectful, productive bargaining.
“Our focus is to keep Nigeria’s children in school, and we must find a way forward that avoids the cycle of strikes,” he said.
The Minister’s remarks came in the wake of concerns from labour unions about the government’s track record of unfulfilled agreements. Former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Ayuba Wabba, joined the call for dialogue, emphasising the significant socio-economic costs of strikes.
He proposed the creation of a Labour Council, akin to the South African model, to facilitate regular consultations between unions and the government.
In a similar vein, SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim urged a shift in the perception of unions, advocating for a new narrative that focuses on industrial peace.
“Our commitment is to respect collective bargaining agreements and foster industrial peace in a democracy, “The time has come to move beyond strikes and focus on the well-being of students, the government, and the entire nation,” Ibrahim said.
