The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), specifically the University of Jos branch, has accused the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, of making misleading statements about the federal government's adherence to agreements with university staff.
The union warns that it may resume its suspended strike if issues remain unresolved in the next two weeks. ASUU had previously issued a four-week ultimatum on October 22, 2025, demanding fulfillment of outstanding agreements.
Despite the ultimatum, ASUU reports minimal progress, highlighting that unpaid salaries, wage award arrears, and other entitlements have not yet been addressed.The union is preparing for its National Executive Council meeting on November 8-9, 2025, expecting prompt payment of withheld salaries and other compensation.
ASUU criticizes the Minister’s communications as unhelpful and emphasizes that what they need are actual payments rather than press releases.
The union also challenges the validity of the government's claim about a ₦2.3 billion disbursement for salary and promotion arrears, asserting that the amount is inadequate.
The union also challenges the validity of the government's claim about a ₦2.3 billion disbursement for salary and promotion arrears, asserting that the amount is inadequate.
ASUU describes the Minister’s claims as false, emphasizing that this sum scarcely meets the financial needs of three universities. They demand that the Minister clarify what portion of the outstanding entitlements this amount addresses.
ASUU expresses disappointment with Dr. Alausa's inconsistent statements and urges him to engage meaningfully with stakeholders rather than issuing empty rhetoric.
ASUU expresses disappointment with Dr. Alausa's inconsistent statements and urges him to engage meaningfully with stakeholders rather than issuing empty rhetoric.
They suggest that effective solutions require genuine dialogue rather than superficial measures.
The union also calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint a more knowledgeable minister who comprehends the challenges facing higher education, asserting that this is crucial for resolving ongoing disputes with university unions.
As the ultimatum is set to expire on November 21, 2025, ASUU urges students, parents, and the public to advocate for the government to act decisively to meet their demands, emphasizing that the suspension of the strike was an act of goodwill that must be reciprocated by the government.
As the ultimatum is set to expire on November 21, 2025, ASUU urges students, parents, and the public to advocate for the government to act decisively to meet their demands, emphasizing that the suspension of the strike was an act of goodwill that must be reciprocated by the government.