The Federal Government says it is committed to ending industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other trade unions in the education sector permanently.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known during the Scientific Conference and Induction Ceremony of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria (AMSN) held over the weekend in Lagos.
Alausa said the move was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at restoring stability in the nation’s tertiary education system.
He said that since its establishment, ASUU had embarked on strike for about 54 months cumulatively, adding that such record was not desirable for any developing nation.
> “This administration is determined to eliminate strikes completely as part of the future of our university education,” the minister said.
He noted that the government’s recent interventions in tertiary education, including the Students’ Loan Scheme, repositioning of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the proposed Education Research Fund, were designed to strengthen the system and prevent disruptions.
> “President Tinubu has made human capital development a top priority. He has directed that no Nigerian student should remain at home when they should be in school,” Alausa added.
The minister, who was conferred with an honorary fellowship by the Academy, also commended AMSN for its contributions to medical research and capacity building in Nigeria.
He urged the newly inducted fellows to focus on evidence-based research and innovation capable of addressing national challenges.
In his remarks, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, praised the Academy for promoting professionalism and mentorship in the medical field.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare through the upgrading of general hospitals, expansion of specialist services, and strengthening of health insurance coverage.
Earlier, the President of AMSN, Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, said the Academy was established to promote excellence in medical research and education, adding that the new inductees had made remarkable contributions to the nation’s health sector.
With the addition of 15 new fellows, Giwa-Osagie said the Academy’s membership had grown to over 100 professionals.
Other dignitaries at the event included Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, Dr. Sonny Kuku, Prof. Catherine Falade, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, and Prof. Ibrahim Yakasai.
