Era of ASUU Strike Is Over, FG Says, as Talks With NASU Continue

The Federal Government says disruptions in Nigeria’s public universities caused by strikes are being brought to an end, declaring that the era of repeated Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) industrial actions is over.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made the statement on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Lagos during the Student Venture Capital Grant event held at the UNDP Innovation Hub, Ikoyi.

He said long-standing issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities had been addressed through sustained engagement between the Federal Government and university stakeholders, adding that the goal is to ensure uninterrupted academic activity in public universities.

 “Strikes have been effectively dealt with. Our institutions will remain open,” he said.

Alausa explained that previous industrial actions in the university system were driven by unresolved disputes over welfare, funding, and policy implementation. He said the government has now moved to address those concerns through continued dialogue and reforms aimed at stabilizing the sector.

He added that the focus is no longer on crisis response but on maintaining a predictable academic calendar that allows students to complete their studies without disruption.

The minister also addressed concerns involving non-academic staff unions, including the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions. He said discussions with them are still ongoing as part of broader efforts to resolve outstanding labour issues in tertiary institutions.

According to him, the talks are progressing steadily, with emphasis on resolving pending matters that could trigger future industrial action. However, he did not announce any signed agreement or final settlement with NASU or other non-teaching unions.

Alausa maintained that the government’s approach is based on continuous engagement with all stakeholders in the education sector, aimed at preventing a return to prolonged shutdowns of universities.

He stressed that stabilizing the academic system is central to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s higher education sector and improving student outcomes across institutions.

No new legislation or binding agreement was announced at the event, but the Federal Government said ongoing reforms and negotiations are expected to sustain industrial peace and keep public universities open.