President Bola Tinubu has described the absence of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) since he assumed office as a major achievement, saying it reflects progress in Nigeria’s education sector.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Tinubu acknowledged that Nigerians have faced economic challenges but expressed confidence that the government’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results. He said the country has become more stable and that signs of improved prosperity are emerging.
According to the President, one of the clearest indicators of progress is that students in public universities have been able to continue their academic programmes without disruptions caused by prolonged ASUU strikes.
He noted that university students can now expect to complete their courses within the scheduled duration, describing the development as a welcome relief for families and an answer to long-standing prayers.
Tinubu recalled that his administration inherited significant economic and governance challenges but maintained that efforts are being made to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
The President’s comments come against the backdrop of ASUU’s history of industrial actions, which have repeatedly disrupted academic activities in public universities over the years. Between 1999 and 2022, the union embarked on several strikes that collectively resulted in years of lost academic time, including a nine-month strike in 2022.
Since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, no prolonged nationwide ASUU strike has been recorded. The period has also seen the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund aimed at improving access to higher education.
On the country’s security situation, the President urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to national development, stressing that Nigeria remains the collective home of all its citizens despite existing challenges.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, established in 1956, remains one of the country’s leading religious organizations with significant contributions to education, healthcare, and social development across various parts of the nation.
