The Federal Government has assured that it will not allow the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to embark on strike or disrupt academic activities across Nigerian universities.
The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, gave the assurance on Wednesday while speaking with journalists at the Gender Inclusion Summit organised by the Policy Innovation Centre in Abuja.
“I don’t want to come on TV to start talking about private conversations with them, but what I can assure you is that ASUU will not go on strike; we will keep our children in school. This is a responsible government, and we will ensure that our children stay in school,” Alausa said.
ASUU has been in talks with the government over the unfulfilled 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, which includes issues of sustainable university funding, revitalisation of institutions, outstanding salary arrears, stagnated promotions, unremitted third-party deductions, and alleged victimisation of union members in some universities.
The minister stressed that the government was handling the matter with “mutual respect” and would avoid confrontations. “We are engaging; I told you we will deal with ASUU and other trade unions with the highest level of mutual respect. We will continue to talk to them,” he added.
Alausa also announced significant reforms in the nation’s examination system, revealing that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) would gradually transition to computer-based testing (CBT) to curb malpractice and raise academic standards.
“We believe that computer-based testing is one of the starting points to reduce examination malpractices in our country. You disincentivise hardworking students when you allow cheating. That is why we have moved quickly to implement CBT in WAEC and NECO,” he explained.
According to him, the November WAEC examinations will feature computer-based objective tests, while essay sections will remain paper-based. By 2026, however, all components—including essays—will be fully computer-based.
“By next year, both the objectives and the essays will all be CBT. As you do this, you’ll get the kids to study more, their cognition will get better, and the quality of their preparation for exams will improve,” Alausa added.