Earlier this week, the minister had told reporters in Abuja that no formal agreement existed between the two parties, describing ASUU’s claims as a reliance on a mere draft. The remark drew sharp criticism from the union.

However, in a statement issued on Friday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, Dr. Alausa clarified his comments, admitting that the 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement remains the most recent binding document.

The ministry explained that efforts to review and update the agreement have taken place over the years. In 2017, a renegotiation committee was set up under then Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, leading to the production of the draft Nimi Briggs report in May 2021. But the document, it stressed, was never formally signed.

According to the statement, the minister’s earlier remarks were meant to highlight that no new agreement has been executed since 2009, and specifically that the Nimi Briggs draft has not been adopted.

“The 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement remains the last formally signed pact,” the ministry reaffirmed, adding that the government is still committed to resolving the longstanding issues with ASUU in a sustainable way under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The statement urged the public to disregard misinterpretations of the minister’s comments and assured stakeholders that the government remains focused on ensuring Nigerian universities remain open for learning and research.