FG Unveils 12 Agreements With University, Polytechnic, College Staff Unions to Curb Strikes

FG Unveils 12 Agreements With University, Polytechnic, College Staff Unions to Curb Strikes

The Federal Government has unveiled 12 agreements with academic and non-academic staff unions across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, introducing new allowances and welfare measures aimed at preventing recurring industrial disputes in the education sector.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a post on X, describing the agreements as a significant step towards resolving longstanding labour disputes and ensuring uninterrupted academic activities across tertiary institutions.

According to the minister, the agreements are intended to address outstanding concerns raised by staff unions, improve working conditions and reduce disruptions that have repeatedly affected students’ academic progress.

Alausa said the government was determined to end a cycle of strikes and unresolved negotiations that had prolonged students’ stay in school beyond the normal duration of their programmes.

“For too long, unresolved agreements and industrial disputes have disrupted academic calendars, forcing students to spend five, six or even seven years completing four-year programmes. Following our landmark ASUU Agreement, today we took another decisive step towards ending this cycle,” he wrote.

The latest development follows the government’s agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as efforts continue to strengthen engagement between the government and education sector unions.

Recurring strikes in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions have remained a major concern, with disruptions often resulting in delayed graduations, extended academic calendars and additional financial pressure on students and their families.

The government is expected to rely on the new agreements to improve industrial relations, strengthen staff welfare and promote greater stability across the country’s tertiary education system.

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