FG, ASSU clash over 2021 agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) recently expressed disagreement with Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa's claim that the Federal Government never signed any agreement with the union. Here's what's happening¹ ² ³:

The Government's Position
- Dr. Alausa stated that the documents ASUU refers to as agreements were merely proposals presented during negotiations and not binding agreements.
- He emphasized that the 2009 and 2011 documents often cited by ASUU as binding agreements were never signed, but only proposals.
- The minister assured that President Bola Tinubu's administration is committed to resolving lingering issues with the union through a fresh, actionable, and constitutionally backed agreement.

ASUU's Response
- ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna faulted the minister's claims, saying they reflect the government's poor record-keeping culture.
- The union maintained that successive governments have repeatedly failed to honor commitments reached with lecturers.
- ASUU emphasized that only sincerity and timely implementation of agreements would end recurring disputes in Nigeria's university system.

Key Demands
- ASUU has consistently demanded clear commitments on:
- *Improved Salaries*: Better pay for university lecturers
- *Conditions of Service*: Enhanced working conditions
- *University Funding*: Increased funding for universities
- *Autonomy*: Greater independence for universities
- *Review of Laws*: Amendments to laws governing the National Universities Commission and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board

Current Developments
- A high-level technical team has been set up to harmonize government proposals before they are forwarded to the Yayale Ahmed Committee for presentation to ASUU.
- The government has released N50 billion to settle earned academic allowances owed to university lecturers and staff.