Education Ministry Clarifies ASUU Agreement Status, Affirms 2009 Pact as Binding

The Federal Ministry of Education has issued an important clarification regarding the status of agreements between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). This follows recent media interactions that led to some misunderstandings about the existence of signed agreements with ASUU.

In a statement released on August 29, 2025, the Ministry confirmed that the most recent and binding agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU was signed in 2009. This 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement remains the official and enforceable pact governing the relationship between the government and ASUU.

The Ministry explained that in 2017, under the administration of the then Honourable Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, a renegotiation committee was set up to review the 2009 agreement. This committee’s work culminated in a draft known as the Nimi Briggs Agreement, completed in May 2021. However, the Ministry emphasized that this draft was never formally signed by the Federal Government and therefore does not constitute a binding agreement.

The clarification further highlighted that recent statements by the current Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, which referred to the absence of any new signed agreement with ASUU, specifically pertained to the unsigned 2021 Nimi Briggs draft. The Ministry urged the public and stakeholders to disregard any misinterpretations of the Minister’s remarks.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to resolving the long-standing 16-year impasse with ASUU. Efforts remain focused on finding a sustainable, constitutionally backed resolution to ensure Nigerian universities can continue to operate effectively for teaching and research as part of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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The Ministry of Education called on all stakeholders to note that while the 2009 agreement retains its binding status, the 2021 draft serves only as the latest framework for ongoing negotiations, signaling forward movement in dialogue but not yet formalized agreement.

This clarification aims to assure the public of the government’s dedication to addressing educational challenges and reopening universities fully, while dispelling any confusion regarding the status of agreements with ASUU.