The Federal Government has clarified that contrary to popular belief, no binding agreement was ever signed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the past.
Speaking on the lingering dispute, a government official explained that what had been referred to as agreements were in fact draft documents that never received final approval. He stressed that the administration is determined to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past by ensuring any future understanding with ASUU is constitutional, realistic, and sustainable.
“We want this to be constitutional and sustainable,” the official said. “Previous agreements with ASUU were never truly signed by government. They were drafts, not enforceable commitments.”
The clarification comes amid renewed tension between the government and the lecturers’ union over unmet demands dating back to the 2009 negotiations. ASUU has repeatedly accused successive governments of failing to honour their promises, while the government insists that implementing those terms without review would be impractical.
Education stakeholders are now watching closely to see whether both sides can reach a fresh, enforceable settlement that will bring lasting stability to Nigeria’s university system.
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