PRESS RELEASE

The BAT Ideological Group has hailed the landmark signing and implementation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing it as a testament to the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the welfare of citizens, especially the poor, vulnerable and less privileged.

The group said the development marks a historic step toward ending disruptions in academic activities in tertiary institutions through incessant strikes and restoring stability to the academic calendar.

In a statement, the group recalled that although the ASUU agreement was originally signed in 2009 during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, successive governments failed to fully implement its provisions.

The non-implementation, they noted, continued under Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, leading to repeated nationwide strikes that disrupted academic activities, affected students’ futures and weakened educational standards.

The BAT Ideological Group notes that the current administration has not only implemented the agreement but went ahead of signing the agreement commenced Immediate implementation in addition to introducing additional enhanced welfare packages not contained in the original document.

These include a first-of-its-kind ₦10 million interest-free loan for lecturers and an additional ₦140,000 monthly take-home allowance for professors, measures described as significant improvements to lecturers’ welfare and motivation.

According to the group, improved remuneration and timely payment of entitlements will enhance lecturers’ commitment to duty, boost morale and ultimately raise academic standards across Nigerian universities.

They added that these interventions will imbue students with predictable academic calendars and save them from prolonged stays at home due to strikes and secure the future of Nigeria’s education sector.

The group expressed appreciation to the President and the Ministry of Education for implementing the agreement and urged Nigerians to remain confident in the administration’s reforms. They affirmed that the achievement aligns with the President’s vision of ensuring uninterrupted four-year academic programmes in higher institutions and bringing a lasting end to incessant strikes in Nigeria.

Signed:

Arabinrin Aderonke, Director of Media and Publicity, BAT Ideological Group

January 19, 2026