The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Thursday knocked the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, over claims that the government never signed any agreements with the union.
Alausa made the clarification on Thursday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
According to him, the documents often cited by ASUU as binding agreements were never signed, but only proposals presented during negotiations.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was, however, committed to resolving lingering issues with the university lecturers’ union.
Earlier this year, the Tinubu administration released N50bn to settle earned academic allowances owed to university lecturers and staff.
However, ASUU has consistently demanded clear commitments on improved salaries, conditions of service, university funding, autonomy, and a review of laws governing the National Universities Commission and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Alausa said, “The government side met today (Thursday) at the highest level. I, Minister of State for Education, Minister for Labour and Productivity were all at the meeting. We had the Solicitor General of the Federation.
The 2021 agreement was not executed by the government. So, I need to be honest and truthful to Nigeria. ASUU might have an impression that they have an agreement with government.
“There was no signed agreement with government. But ASUU they’re good people. Polytechnic, College of Education, non-academic staff union, they’re all good people.
