Contrary to his earlier position that there’s no signed 2009 signed agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, the Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa has made a U-Turn admitting the existence of the pact
By Emma Ogbuehi
Contrary to his earlier position that there’s no signed 2009 signed agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, the Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa has made a U-Turn admitting the existence of the pact.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade “reaffirms that the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement remains the last formally signed agreement.” The clarification issued on Friday August 29 came a day after the Minister had said the ministry said the agreement was not signed.
The Minster’s statements came on the heels of threats by ASUU to embark on strike over poor university funding, staff welfare and non-implementation of agreement with the Federal Government on the issues.
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The release by the Ministry reads:
Ministry of Education clarifies statement on FGN-ASUU agreements; 2009 agreement remains last signed document
“The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa has clarified his statement made during an interaction with the media on Thursday regarding agreement 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.
“Subsequently, in 2017, the then Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, inaugurated a renegotiation committee to review the 2009 agreement. The outcome of that process was the draft Nimi Briggs Agreement produced in May 2021.
“However, it is important to stress that this 2021 draft agreement was not signed by the Federal Government.
“When the Minister stated on Thursday 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.
“It says the Federal Government remains committed to ending the 16-year stalemate with ASUU in a sustainable and constitutionally backed manner, ensuring our universities remain open for teaching and research.
“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.
