The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made this known at the end of a meeting with the union leadership on Wednesday at the Federal Ministry of Education.

Following resolutions reached at the union’s national executive council meeting held at the University of Ibadan on August 19, 2024, public university lecturers threatened to go on a nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s failure to honour the 2009 renegotiated agreement.

ASUU’s demands include improvements in welfare and university funding and halting the proliferation of universities nationwide.

In response to ASUU’s ultimatum, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, noted that most of the issues of contention dated as far back as 1981. He, however, said letters of invitation had been sent to the leadership of the Union and other organisations and that their grievance was being attended to:

“Most of the issues raised by ASUU are being attended to. For instance, the issue of exit from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has since been resolved by the President. Bureaucracy is the reason for delay in the implementation of that directive. But by the time we meet on Monday, some of these issues would be discussed and resolved”.

“Most of the demands of ASUU started in 1981. And virtually all government has had its fair share of ASUU strike. But the President made a commitment during the campaign that permanent solution would be provided this time, and he has shown that in his steps and actions,” he said.

The Minister further appealed to ASUU to be considerate and open-minded in their approach at the negotiation table so that the interests of all parties would be properly represented

The minister, through the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki, made this known in a letter addressed to Vice-Chancellors of universities.

Certain activists have organised a nationwide protest slated for August 1 to 10, 2024. The planned protest has gained traction on social media, trending under the hashtags ‘#EndBadGovernance,’ ‘#TinubuMustGo,’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’

The presidency and police authorities have called on youths to abandon the plan.

“The Honourable Minister of Education has directed that the attention of Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protests. The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerian to peaceful protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students, and university property should there be any protest action.

“Consequently, the Honourable Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students. In addition, Vice-Chancellors are to please issue specific statements to assure staff and students of their safety. It is also advisable that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests.

“Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes.”