The Academic Staff Union of Universities has been urged to exercise restraint and reconsider its planned strike action amid ongoing engagements with the federal government.
The advice follows the union’s four-day ultimatum demanding payment of lecturers under the new salary structure. An education stakeholder, who spoke anonymously, cautioned against rushing into another industrial action, noting that the current situation does not warrant it.
According to the stakeholder, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has shown a level of transparency and commitment rarely seen in past negotiations with ASUU. He pointed out that the minister made the agreement public, ensuring accountability and building trust.
He explained that delays in implementing the new salary structure are linked to legislative procedures, particularly the passage and execution of the national budget, rather than any failure by the government.
As a temporary solution, the minister reportedly encouraged vice chancellors to make advance payments to lecturers using institutional funds, with a promise of reimbursement once the budget is implemented.
The stakeholder also referenced a recent intervention at the University of Lagos, where delayed payments were resolved after direct involvement from the minister.
He further cited a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that there should be no disruption to the academic calendar. He added that the government has maintained consistent communication with the union.
While acknowledging ASUU’s past grievances, the stakeholder maintained that this situation calls for patience and constructive dialogue rather than strike action.
He warned that another strike would mainly affect students and urged the union to allow ongoing processes to reach completion.
The federal government and ASUU recently signed a new agreement aimed at improving stability and quality in Nigeria’s university education system.
