The Federal Government has clarified its position on its agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following recent comments by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a media interaction on Thursday, August 28.
Contrary to interpretations suggesting that no agreement exists between both parties, the government affirmed that the last binding agreement was signed with ASUU in 2009. That document, it said, remains the most recent and valid accord currently in force.
Alausa’s earlier statement had sparked confusion after he said the Federal Government had never signed any agreement with ASUU, describing what the union regards as a formal agreement as “a mere draft.” He added that government would engage with the union to chart a way forward, acknowledging the prolonged deadlock that has continued to disrupt academic calendars across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the government clarified that the minister’s remarks referred specifically to the 2021 draft agreement produced by the Nimi Briggs-led committee—a document that was never signed.
“The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, wishes to clarify his statement made during an interaction with the press on August 28, 2025, regarding agreements between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
“For the avoidance of doubt, the FGN-ASUU Agreement was last signed in 2009. That agreement remains the most recent signed and binding agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU.
“The Ministry of Education urges the public and all stakeholders to disregard any misinterpretations and to note that the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving issues with ASUU remains firm under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.
Providing further context, Boriowo explained that in 2017, the then Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, inaugurated a renegotiation committee to review the 2009 agreement. This process led to the drafting of the Nimi Briggs Agreement in May 2021.
However, she noted that the Federal Government did not endorse or sign the 2021 draft.
According to her, “When the minister stated yesterday that there had been ‘no new signed agreement’ with ASUU, he was referring specifically to the 2021 draft Nimi Briggs document, which has not been formally executed.
“The ministry therefore reaffirms that the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement remains the last formally signed agreement. The 2021 Nimi Briggs draft agreement was not signed but serves as the latest framework for discussions.”
Boriowo reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the 16-year impasse with ASUU, stressing that the goal is to reach a sustainable and constitutionally grounded solution that ensures universities remain open for teaching and research.
