President Bola Tinubu.
By Dianabasi Effiong
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the new agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu’s administration with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as the first major deal to end perennial strike action in Nigeria’s universities.
The group stated this in a statement by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa.
The TMSG also stated that the agreement to be signed on Wednesday was a sustainable instrument that would set the right template for a new lease of life in the universities after years of unending strikes.
It said: “After several months of dispute over a 2009 agreement, the President Bola Tinubu administration has not only addressed the unresolved issues but has also set a template to end decades of challenges in the country’s university system.
“For us, it was not an unexpected phenomenon as the President had, shortly after assuming office, vowed that he would take steps to ensure an end to recurring strikes in a system that had become known for endless disagreements between unions and the authorities over funding and non-implementation of deals.
“So when it was announced that the federal government had finalised an agreement with ASUU and would be sealing it in the coming days, it did not come to us as a total surprise, as the Tinubu administration had, since 2023, been making moves to address challenges plaguing higher education in the country.”
The group also offered insight into some of the provisions of the Federal Government’s new agreement with ASUU.
“For the avoidance of doubt, key provisions of the landmark agreement to be signed with the ASUU leadership in the presence of all Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of federal universities include a 40% salary increase for academic staff.
“Also, professors are now required to retire at the age of 70 with pensions equal to their full annual salary.
“In addition, there would be a revamped university funding model that allocates resources for research, laboratories, and staff development as well as the establishment of a National Research Council funded by a minimum of 1% of Nigeria’s GDP.
“All of these are targeted at enhancing industrial harmony, creating a more conducive academic environment, as well as reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable development in the education sector in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for national development.
“We are indeed convinced that this agreement will not only address the challenges that the 2009 agreement created for previous administrations and the current one, but will also reduce the possibility of future conflicts in the academic environment,” it stated.
According to the TMSG, the deal, which has since been accepted by ASUU, will be a fitting end to a 16-year-old dispute.
It stated that the dispute had seemingly defied all efforts at amicable resolution.
“It would also go down as a major achievement of the Tinubu administration which had singled out the education sector as a major priority.
“It is indeed a new year gift for Nigeria and Nigerians,” the group added.
It urged Nigerians to continue to trust in the capacity and sincerity of President Tinubu to deliver on his promises to reform the country.
