The Traffic

FG Disowns ASUU Deal, Says No Binding Agreement Signed

ABUJA — The Federal Government on Thursday dismissed claims that it had signed a binding agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), insisting that what exists is only a draft.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this clarification while addressing journalists in Abuja amid nationwide protests by ASUU members over the government’s alleged failure to honour past commitments.

“No Agreement Yet—Only a Draft”

Alausa stressed that contrary to public perception, no legally enforceable agreement currently exists between the government and the union.

“What we have is a draft document, not a binding agreement,” he stated.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry to pursue a sustainable resolution of ASUU’s grievances—one that would not collapse under financial strain.

“We are not interested in bogus or unsustainable promises. What we want is an agreement that is realistic, implementable, and constitutionally backed,” the minister said.

Government Seeks Lasting Solution

Alausa assured Nigerians that ASUU’s current protests would not snowball into another strike, noting that the government had kept channels of dialogue open.

He said, “We are committed to solving this problem once and for all. Issues lingering since 2009 and 2021 will now be addressed in a sustainable way. The president has made it clear that every promise made to ASUU and Nigerians will be fulfilled truthfully and honestly.”

High-Level Stakeholder Meeting

The minister disclosed that a high-level meeting was held on Thursday to review ASUU’s proposals line by line. Those in attendance included:

Minister of State for Education

Minister of Labour and Productivity

Solicitor-General of the Federation

Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Labour, and Justice

Heads of key agencies such as the NUC, Salaries and Wages Commission, and the Budget Office

According to Alausa, the meeting’s technical team would refine the draft and submit a “clean report” to the Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee on the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement.

Justice Ministry to Vet New Deal

Unlike past processes, Alausa revealed that the Ministry of Justice would be fully involved this time to ensure that any eventual pact is constitutionally compliant and legally binding.

“We want an agreement where every component is actionable and feasible. Nigerians can be assured that this government will keep our schools open and ensure our children remain in classrooms,” he concluded.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna