FG Blames ASUU for Stalemate Over Needs-Assessment Funds

The Federal Government has accused the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of slowing down the implementation of its demands, citing the union’s stance on fund disbursement as a key obstacle.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said ASUU’s insistence that the entire first tranche of the 2025 needs-assessment funds be paid solely to the union, rather than shared with polytechnics and colleges of education, was delaying release of the N150 billion allocation provided for the year. The government had earmarked the amount for disbursement in three tranches, with the first N50 billion ready for immediate release.

Alausa expressed disappointment over the union’s decision to embark on strike action, stressing that the government had met virtually all of ASUU’s demands, including payment of N50 billion towards academic allowances.

“I can tell you today, literally all the demands of ASUU have been met. So I do not see any reason why ASUU has gone on this strike,” the minister said, adding that the government had negotiated in good faith and anticipated cooperation.

He dismissed claims that the government had been slow or unwilling to respond, highlighting several interventions under the Tinubu administration, including a N683 billion infrastructure allocation for federal tertiary institutions in the 2025 budget, aimed at rehabilitating hostels, lecture theatres, laboratories, and workshops. Other efforts cited include funding for medical schools, academic staff training, and student support through the Nigerian Education Research Fund (NERF) and related programs.

Alausa urged ASUU to reconsider its strike, assuring students and parents of the government’s commitment to keeping schools open.

“Let me reassure our students nationwide that the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, will do everything humanly possible to keep you in school,” he said.

On other outstanding matters such as promotion arrears and third-party deductions, the minister said most issues had been addressed or fall under individual universities’ jurisdiction. He also clarified that previous agreements on salary during strikes involved partial payments.

The Minister of Education called on the union to shelve the strike, stressing the importance of uninterrupted academic activities for the nation’s students.