In a major move to address recurring strikes in Nigeria’s higher institutions, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has assured the nation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to averting industrial actions through prompt salary payments and sincere engagement with education unions.
Speaking during a recent appearance on national television, Dr. Alausa disclosed that the delay in salary payments to lecturers in tertiary institutions over the past six months had been a source of personal concern and a key issue his ministry is addressing urgently. “They’ve been paid around the 8th or 9th of the following month. That’s not acceptable, and we’re working to fix it,” the minister stated.
The Minister explained that the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPS), which the federal government uses to process salary payments, typically starts disbursement from the 25th of every month. However, education workers have consistently been receiving theirs much later, leading to tensions within the academic sector.
“I’ve met with the Minister of Economy. As far back as two Fridays ago, he promised to prioritise the salary payment of lecturers so they can be paid early,” Dr. Alausa said, noting that similar discussions have been held with the Minister of Finance, who also gave assurances of prompt action.
Dr. Alausa used the opportunity to tender a public apology to the affected staff in tertiary institutions and appealed for their continued patience and understanding. “We’re paying them. It’s just delayed. But we’re now working to ensure they are paid promptly ideally before the end of each month.”
The Minister went further to relay a strong directive from President Tinubu, stating that under his administration, strike actions in the education sector especially from unions like ASUU, NASU, SANU, and COEASU will become a thing of the past. “This President has directed that ‘not again’ will Nigerian tertiary lecturers go on strike. This is not just a promise; it’s a mandate,” he declared.
According to Alausa, what has been lacking in previous governments is trust and consistency. “Over the years, governments sit with these unions, sign agreements, and then fail to implement them. That’s what causes the strikes. We’re changing that.”
The Minister highlighted that his office is now engaging directly and consistently with union leaders. “Most of the union presidents have my personal number, and I have theirs. We’re talking regularly. There is no breakdown in communication.”
He also addressed concerns surrounding recent rumors of a possible ASUU strike, clarifying that such reports were false. “Even when fake news of ASUU planning a strike spreads, it’s not true. They’ve never intended to go on strike recently,” he said.
While acknowledging that not all demands of the unions have been fully met, Alausa reaffirmed that the federal government is working steadily toward fulfilling those outstanding obligations. “We haven’t met all their requests lately, but we’re working assiduously to meet them,” he emphasized.
The Minister believes that open dialogue, consistent payment, and fulfilled promises are the cornerstones for preventing future industrial actions in Nigeria’s universities, colleges, and polytechnics. “There has to be a lot of relationship building with ASUU, NASU, SANU, COEASU everybody. That’s how to build lasting peace,” he stated.
Dr. Alausa concluded by reiterating the President’s commitment to education reform and national development, pointing out that the success of the country depends largely on the stability of its academic system. “This administration is demonstrating goodwill. That’s what will restore the integrity of the education sector.”
The Nigeria Education News will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as they unfold.
