The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will on Tuesday formally unveil a new agreement aimed at improving the quality of Nigeria’s university education system and ensuring industrial stability.
The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the ceremony will take place at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall, Maitama, Abuja, and will be presided over by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad.
The ministry said the development followed a recent 14-day ultimatum issued by ASUU, which was later suspended after overnight negotiations between the union and the Federal Government.
It explained that the new agreement reflects the government’s commitment to constructive engagement with key stakeholders and the resolution of industrial disputes through dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, noted that the agreement was the outcome of years of engagement between the Federal Government and ASUU to address persistent industrial disputes in the university system.
According to the ministry, the agreement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognises education as a critical driver of national development, human capital advancement and socio-economic transformation.
It said the agreement is expected to enhance industrial harmony, create a more conducive academic environment and restore confidence among students, university staff and the general public.
The ministry added that the unveiling ceremony would be attended by senior government officials, ASUU leaders, heads of tertiary institutions, development partners and members of the media.
The Federal Government and ASUU have been engaged in prolonged disputes over issues including university funding, conditions of service and the implementation of previously reached agreements.
ASUU has, over the years, embarked on several strike actions to press for improved funding of public universities, better welfare for lecturers and the full implementation of earlier accords, particularly aspects of the 2009 agreement.
The most recent major industrial action by the union occurred in October 2025, when ASUU embarked on a two-week nationwide strike.