Minister of Education Tunji Alausa has categorically denied reports suggesting that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced a nationwide strike, maintaining that Nigeria’s university system continues to function normally.
Addressing the public on Tuesday in Abuja, Alausa described the strike reports as false and advised Nigerians to ignore such claims.
The minister highlighted the unprecedented stability in the country’s tertiary education sector, noting that Nigerian public universities have maintained uninterrupted operations for the past two years.
“It is not by coincidence that Nigerian public tertiary institutions have remained open and stable for the past two years, something that has not happened in several decades,” Alausa stated.
He credited the sustained industrial harmony to ongoing dialogue, mutual understanding, and the Tinubu administration’s dedicated approach to addressing educational sector challenges.
According to Alausa, the government’s strategy involves addressing stakeholder demands through a phased approach characterized by respect and consistency.
“This is a reflection of our government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining cordial relationships with all stakeholders in the education sector. We are meeting demands in phases, and we are doing so respectfully and consistently,” the minister explained.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Alausa emphasized that student welfare and maintaining uninterrupted academic calendars represent core government priorities.
The minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring continuous education for Nigerian students, describing them as fundamental to the nation’s future.
“Our children are the heartbeat of the nation, and their uninterrupted education is non-negotiable. The Federal Government will continue to engage all unions in the education sector to ensure the gates of our institutions remain open,” he declared.
Alausa concluded by urging the public to disregard strike reports, characterizing them as misleading and counterproductive to educational progress.
