What the data shows
The recent declaration by the Federal Government of Nigeria that the era of strikes in the nation’s tertiary institutions is permanently over raises a significant question: How did this resolution come to fruition? The answer lies in a series of agreements and negotiations that have taken place over the past few years, culminating in a historic agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
On January 14, 2026, the Federal Government and ASUU signed a pivotal agreement that included a substantial 40 percent salary increase for academic staff. This increase began reaching staff by the end of January 2026, marking a significant step towards resolving the longstanding disputes that have plagued Nigerian universities. According to sources, 90 to 95 percent of tertiary institutions have already started implementing this salary increase.
The resolution of these disputes has been a priority for the Federal Government, with the Minister of Education noting that there have been no strikes in the past three years. This commitment to stability in the education sector is underscored by the personal involvement of Nigeria’s President in negotiations aimed at resolving industrial disputes concerning staff in tertiary institutions.
Tunji Alausa, a prominent figure in the negotiations, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that all staff in tertiary institutions benefit from the agreements reached. He stated, “We’ve solved this in totality. So when you get news about looming strikes, treat it as fake.” This statement reflects a broader sentiment within the government that the issues leading to strikes have been effectively addressed.
In addition to the agreement with ASUU, the government is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement with the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), further solidifying the commitment to a strike-free academic environment. Alausa remarked, “This is one government that believes in our youth. They are the heartbeat of this nation, and we have to keep them engaged in school.” This perspective highlights the government’s focus on maintaining educational continuity for students.
Despite these positive developments, there are still concerns regarding the implementation of the agreements. Chris Piwuna, the president of ASUU, has warned that if salaries are not paid in full by the end of March, the union may take action. This statement underscores the ongoing vigilance required to ensure that the agreements are honored and that the educational environment remains stable.
As the situation stands, the Federal Government’s declaration marks a significant turning point in the relationship between the government and academic staff unions. The commitment to resolving disputes and ensuring fair compensation for educators is a crucial step towards fostering a more stable educational landscape in Nigeria. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the finalization of agreements with NASU and the full implementation of salary increases across all institutions.