The Nigerian Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has clarified his stance on the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). In a statement released on Friday, Minister Alausa reaffirmed that the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement remains in effect and is legally enforceable.

This development comes after the minister’s comments to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, where he suggested that the agreement was merely a draft and not a signed document. The Academic Staff Union of Universities promptly disputed this claim. The minister’s initial statement sparked concerns about the status of the agreement, which has been a point of reference for ASUU in their negotiations with the government.

Minister Alausa has now provided clarification, stating that the 2009 agreement is indeed valid and enforceable. However, he also noted that the 2009 and 2011 agreements, frequently cited by ASUU, were not formally signed. Instead, they represent recommendations made during negotiations between the parties.

The 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement has been a crucial point of discussion in the ongoing negotiations between the government and the union. The agreement outlines various commitments, including funding for universities and staff benefits. ASUU has consistently referenced this agreement in their demands for improved working conditions and university funding.

The clarification by Minister Alausa provides a clearer understanding of the government’s position on the agreement. The minister’s acknowledgement of the agreement’s validity is significant, as it recognizes the commitments made by the government in 2009. The next steps in the negotiations between the government and ASUU will be closely watched, as stakeholders seek to resolve the outstanding issues and find a mutually acceptable solution.

The education sector in Nigeria has been affected by the protracted negotiations between the government and ASUU. The union has been seeking improved funding for universities, as well as better working conditions for its members. The government’s acknowledgement of the 2009 agreement is a step towards resolving these issues, and it remains to be seen how the negotiations will unfold in the coming days.