ASUU Strike Suspended: Education Minister Assures Nigerians Students Will Remain in School

No more ASUU strike fears, Education Minister assures Nigerian students will stay in school as government pushes education reforms, CBT exams, and gender inclusion initiatives.

For years, the fear of an Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike has haunted Nigerian students, parents, and guardians. Each time a new academic session begins, whispers of a possible strike hang in the air like an approaching storm. The consequences of these disruptions have been devastating delayed graduations, overcrowded classrooms, poor academic planning, and the psychological toll on students who often feel like pawns in a never-ending battle between the Federal Government and university unions.
But in a bold assurance to Nigerians, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has declared that the era of prolonged academic disruptions is coming to an end. Speaking at the Gender Inclusion Summit 2025 in Abuja, the minister promised that the Federal Government is committed to keeping Nigerian children in school while addressing the legitimate grievances of lecturers and other education stakeholders.
This announcement comes against the backdrop of ongoing conversations around the 2009

ASUU-FGN Agreement, which remains the bedrock of union agitations in Nigerian universities.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that despite disagreements with university unions, the government is adopting a respectful and constructive approach in its engagements.
“We will keep our children in school,” he assured journalists, stressing that dialogue, not confrontation, is the way forward.
The minister noted that the Federal Government has been in active talks with ASUU and other unions and is prioritizing mutual respect in negotiations. He dismissed speculations of looming strikes, saying there is no reason for Nigerians to panic.

The 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement remains a central issue in Nigerian higher education. Key unresolved demands include:

• Sustainable funding for Nigerian universities
• Revitalization of university infrastructure
• Payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears
• Promotion backlogs spanning four years
• Unremitted third-party deductions (such as cooperative contributions)
• Victimization of ASUU members in certain universities

For over a decade, successive governments have struggled with the full implementation of this agreement. Strikes have therefore become a bargaining tool, leaving students stranded.
Dr. Alausa, however, assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is determined to resolve these lingering issues without pushing unions into industrial action.
Beyond addressing ASUU’s demands, the Minister of Education also outlined ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s education system. One of the most significant steps is the migration of examinations such as WAEC and NECO to computer-based testing (CBT).
According to Dr. Alausa, this shift is aimed at:
1. Reducing examination malpractice
2. Enhancing the credibility of Nigerian certificates
3. Encouraging students to embrace technology-driven learning
4. Preparing Nigerian youth for global competitiveness

“We believe computer-based testing is one of the starting points to reduce examination malpractices in our country,” the minister stated.

He further explained that examination malpractice not only undermines the credibility of results but also discourages hardworking students while rewarding those who cheat.
The minister disclosed that the transition will happen in phases:

• November 2025: WAEC and NECO objective papers will be conducted via CBT, while essay questions remain paper-based.
• 2026 onwards: Both objective and essay components will be fully computer-based.
• This phased implementation will give students, schools, and administrators time to adjust to the new system.

One of the concerns raised about CBT exams is the readiness of rural communities and underserved areas. Dr. Alausa acknowledged these challenges and assured that the government has strategies to prevent exclusion.

• Students from communities without infrastructure will be transported to designated locations with ICT facilities.
• Children with disabilities will be provided with tailored resources to ensure fairness and accessibility.

This inclusive approach aims to make education reforms equitable across Nigeria’s diverse social and economic landscape.

The Gender Inclusion Summit, where Dr. Alausa made these announcements, also highlighted a broader discussion on women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, revealed groundbreaking achievements by women in both public and private sectors:

• Women now lead over 40% of Nigeria’s key commercial banks.
• Female executives occupy 22% of leadership roles — higher than the global average of 20%.
• Reforms in Adamawa State have given women the legal right to own and inherit land.
• All 21 Local Government vice-chairperson seats in Adamawa are now held by women.
• Niger State has made it mandatory for all vice-chairmanship positions in LGAs to be reserved for women.
• In Rivers State, a 19-year-old girl recently won a councillorship seat, signaling the rise of a younger generation of female leaders.

According to the minister, closing Nigeria’s gender gap could add as much as $229 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2030, based on a World Bank study.

The summit’s theme, “New Voices and New Approaches for Accelerating an Inclusive Society”, brought together key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Policy Innovation Centre.

• Inclusion begins with listening: Policymakers must hear the voices of rural women, young people, and marginalized groups.
• Technology for inclusion: Data-driven policies and digital platforms can accelerate participation in governance and economic opportunities.
• Breaking structural barriers: Financial systems must empower women entrepreneurs and small businesses.

For millions of Nigerian students, the assurance that ASUU will not embark on strike is a much-needed relief. Parents, who often bear the brunt of disrupted academic calendars, can finally hope for stability in the education system.
If the reforms are properly implemented, Nigerian universities will not only avoid unnecessary strikes but also embrace modernization that prepares students for the realities of a technology-driven world.
See Also...ASUU Threatens Fresh Strike Over Unmet Demands: What It Means for Nigeria’s Universities
The Minister of Education’s assurance that “ASUU will not go on strike” is more than a political statement it represents a commitment to Nigeria’s youth and the future of its higher education system. Combined with innovations such as computer-based testing and the promotion of gender inclusion, Nigeria may finally be on the path to resolving long-standing challenges in education.
For students who have endured endless cycles of strike and resumption, this could mark the beginning of a new era where academic calendars are respected, lecturers are motivated, and the Nigerian university system regains its dignity.

By Primelineinfo