President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, made a passionate plea to Nigerian university staff members to reconsider their stance on the impending university strike, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue. Tinubu called on all academic and non-academic unions in universities to engage with the negotiation processes initiated by his administration, as opposed to resorting to industrial action. He underscored that the government’s commitment to finding a resolution was unwavering, urging all parties to give peace a chance and prioritize the nation’s educational stability.
The current situation follows tensions with major university unions such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). These unions are threatening a new wave of strikes due to the government’s failure to meet certain long-standing demands. Among the key issues is the payment of withheld salaries from the 2022 strike, as well as dissatisfaction with the non-implementation of the 2009 agreement, which promised significant improvements in working conditions and benefits for university staff.
Tinubu, however, remains resolute in his stance that peaceful negotiations are the only viable path forward. Addressing the concerns raised by the unions, he stressed the importance of finding common ground through dialogue, rather than allowing a new university strike to disrupt academic activities across the country. The president noted that such strikes often have a lasting negative impact on both students and the nation at large, as they derail academic progress and contribute to instability in the education sector.
Speaking at the 39th convocation ceremony of the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, Tinubu expressed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that universities remain open for uninterrupted academic sessions. Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Tinubu emphasized that peace was essential for both academic growth and national prosperity. According to him, Nigeria’s universities, just like the country itself, need a peaceful environment to thrive and for development to flourish.
“My administration is fully committed to ensuring an uninterrupted academic calendar,” Tinubu stated. He urged university staff to embrace peaceful resolution and to recognize the futility of actions that lead to university closures. “The era of shutting down universities over issues that can be addressed through constructive dialogue should be left behind. No one benefits from the closure of educational institutions. We cannot afford to return to such a time,” he added. The president highlighted that continuous teaching, research, and community service are critical for the overall development of the nation, and that these goals are undermined by frequent disruptions caused by strikes.
Addressing the specific grievances of the unions, Tinubu reassured university staff that the Federal Government is making efforts to meet its obligations. He pointed to the re-negotiation committee, established in 2009, which was recently revived under the leadership of Dr. Yayale Ahmed, to facilitate ongoing talks between the government and university unions. According to Tinubu, the revival of this committee is a crucial step toward fulfilling the promises made to university staff, including addressing salary concerns and improving overall working conditions.
One significant gesture by the government has been the payment of four months’ worth of salaries that were previously withheld from university staff during the 2022 strike. Tinubu also announced that he has directed the payment of the withheld salaries of non-teaching staff, a move he described as an act of goodwill by his administration, despite the implementation of the “no work, no pay” policy during the strike period. He emphasized that this step was taken to demonstrate the government’s desire for a positive working relationship with university staff and to encourage peaceful negotiations going forward.
Another major development in response to union demands is the government’s decision to remove university staff from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), a contentious issue that has long been a source of conflict between the unions and the government. This decision was made after repeated appeals from university unions, and Tinubu assured that the process of removing university staff from IPPIS would be implemented without further delay. This move is expected to address a significant portion of the unions’ grievances and ease the tension that has fueled talks of another university strike.
In addition to addressing staff concerns, Tinubu also touched on the issue of student welfare, particularly in light of the current economic challenges. He noted that the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) has been established to provide students with access to loans that will help them continue their education despite financial difficulties. He urged students at the University of Ilorin and other tertiary institutions to take advantage of this loan scheme to support their academic journeys. According to the president, this initiative is aimed at ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial background, have the opportunity to complete their education and contribute to the nation’s development.
As the convocation ceremony concluded, Tinubu directed his message to the graduating students, urging them to use their education to tackle the economic and security challenges facing Nigeria. He called on them to collaborate with other members of society to drive positive change, stressing that the country’s future depends on their efforts and determination.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, Abiodun Aluko, expressed the council’s commitment to advancing the institution’s mission. He pledged to promote innovative ideas and maintain the university’s reputation as a leader in academic excellence. Aluko, a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, reiterated that the university would continue to evolve and introduce new strategies to enhance its academic offerings.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), also addressed the graduates, urging them to continue the pursuit of knowledge beyond their formal education. He encouraged them to remain curious, adaptable, and open to lifelong learning, as their education was only the foundation for future success in an increasingly competitive global environment.
A total of 12,042 graduates received their certificates and diplomas during the two-day convocation ceremony, with 256 graduates earning First Class honors. The breakdown of the graduating class included 3,842 students with Second Class (Upper Division), 6,178 with Second Class (Lower Division), 1,299 with Third Class, and 62 who earned a Pass. Additionally, graduates from specialized programs such as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine were recognized for their achievements.
Tinubu’s administration has taken concrete steps to address the concerns of university staff while maintaining its commitment to keeping academic institutions open. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to avert the looming university strike and foster a long-lasting peace within Nigeria’s higher education system. The call for peaceful dialogue and negotiation continues to resonate as the government and university unions work toward a solution that benefits all stakeholders.