The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are set to formalise a new agreement aimed at improving the quality of Nigeria’s university education system and ensuring long-term industrial stability.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Education announced that the agreement-signing ceremony will take place at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall, Maitama, Abuja.
The event will be presided over by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad.
According to the ministry, the move follows recent intensive engagements between the Federal Government and ASUU, which led to the cancellation of a planned 14-day ultimatum by the union after overnight talks.
“The formalisation of this agreement reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to constructive engagement with critical stakeholders and to resolving industrial disputes through dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation,” the ministry stated.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, noted that the agreement is the product of years of negotiations aimed at addressing long-standing industrial disputes in the university system.
Boriowo said the new accord aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognises education as a strategic driver of national development, human capital growth, and socio-economic transformation.
“This agreement is expected to enhance industrial peace, create a more conducive academic environment, and reinforce confidence among students, university staff, and the wider public,” she added.
The ministry disclosed that the unveiling ceremony will bring together senior government officials, ASUU representatives, heads of tertiary institutions, development partners, and members of the media.
The relationship between the Federal Government and ASUU has historically been strained, with recurrent disputes over funding, conditions of service, and the implementation of previous agreements.
Over the years, the union has embarked on several strike actions to press for improved funding for public universities, better welfare for lecturers, and the full implementation of earlier accords particularly unresolved aspects of the 2009 agreement.
The most recent major industrial action saw ASUU declare a two-week nationwide strike, which was later suspended following negotiations.
Such strikes have often disrupted academic calendars, delayed graduations, and forced many students to seek alternatives in private institutions or foreign universities.
Stakeholders hope the new agreement will mark a turning point in ensuring stability and sustainable development in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
