By Atoyebi Nike
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has assured that the Federal Government is committed to permanently ending strikes in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions through sustained engagement and honouring agreements with academic unions.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, Alausa said President Bola Tinubu had given a clear directive that industrial actions by unions such as ASUU, NASU, SANU, and others must become a thing of the past.
“The President has directed that not again—ever in this country—will ASUU or other tertiary trade unions go on strike,” Alausa said.
The minister stressed the importance of building stronger relationships with the unions and restoring trust by meeting government obligations. He blamed past administrations for repeatedly reneging on agreements, noting that the Tinubu administration is taking a different path through active dialogue.
On salary payment concerns raised by some lecturers, Alausa clarified that the government had not stopped paying wages. He explained that after institutions exited IPPIS to the more flexible GIFMIS platform, some delays occurred due to payment prioritisation.
“Salaries are being paid. The delay comes because IPPIS gets first-line priority, but the institutions on GIFMIS now have more control. Payments have been made regularly, though sometimes by the 8th or 9th of the new month,” he explained.
