The Federal Ministry of Education has issued a formal clarification following widespread public reaction to comments made by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, regarding the status of agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Earlier this week, Dr. Sununu was quoted as saying that “no agreement has ever been signed” between the Federal Government and ASUU—a statement that drew swift criticism from education stakeholders, university lecturers, and civil society groups. The ASUU leadership responded by citing the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement as a legally binding document that has served as the foundation for negotiations over the past decade.
In a press briefing held today in Abuja, the Minister clarified his remarks, stating that his comments were “misinterpreted” and that he was referring specifically to the draft 2021 renegotiated agreement, which remains unsigned.
“Let me be clear: the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU was indeed signed and remains a reference point in our ongoing discussions. My earlier statement was in the context of the more recent proposals which have not yet been formally executed,” Dr. Sununu said.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders in the education sector, reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes revitalizing Nigeria’s public universities and improving conditions for academic staff.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, acknowledged the Minister’s clarification but urged the government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward implementing the provisions of the 2009 agreement, including improved funding, university autonomy, and better remuneration for lecturers.