President Bola Tinubu has pointed to the absence of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as one of the clearest indicators of progress under his administration, describing it as a direct answer to the prayers of Nigerian families. Speaking on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu said students can now complete their university programmes on time, a significant shift after years of disruption.
Tinubu's Remarks on Education Stability
Tinubu told the clerics that no student currently in a Nigerian public university can claim a four-year course takes longer than the stipulated duration. "None of your children in university today, and I would say they are all your children because you are reverend fathers, can say a four-year course is not four years," Tinubu said. "ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to your homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers? To me, that's an answer."
Economic Hardship and Security Challenges
The president also acknowledged that many Nigerians have faced financial difficulties under his watch but argued these problems were inherited from the previous administration. He expressed confidence that the country is entering a period of stability that will gradually improve living conditions. Additionally, Tinubu assured the bishops that the government remains committed to addressing the security challenges affecting various parts of the country.
ASUU's History of Industrial Actions
Tinubu's comments come against a backdrop of severe disruptions caused by ASUU strikes over the decades. Between 1999 and 2022, the union's industrial actions collectively wiped out more than five years of academic time for Nigerian university students. The most recent major strike, in 2022, lasted eight months—the longest in ASUU's history—and triggered widespread frustration among students, parents, and educators. The crisis forced many students to remain at home for nearly an entire academic year, with some opting to seek education abroad.
No Fresh Strikes Since Tinubu Took Office
Since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, no new ASUU strike has been declared. The president is now highlighting this trend as evidence that his government has made meaningful gains in the education sector. While the absence of strikes is a positive development, stakeholders continue to call for broader reforms to address the root causes of the disputes, including funding for universities and improved working conditions for lecturers.
