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*Emphasizes the Importance of Dialogue and Negotiation for Labor Unions

*Pledges to establish synergy with academic unions

President Bola Tinubu, just 24 hours after canceling the controversial deduction of 40 per cent of Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs) from federal universities nationwide, has affirmed that his administration will take all necessary actions to prevent future strikes in universities.

He emphasized that constructive dialogue and negotiation should be prioritized over actions negatively affecting the welfare and future of Nigerian students. Tinubu expressed the government's willingness to establish synergy with all academic unions within universities and engage in exhaustive dialogue before any strike actions.

Speaking at the 33rd convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Tinubu, represented by Prof. King-David Terna Yawe, a former President of West Africa College of Surgeon and a visiting Professor of the National Universities Commission (NUC), conveyed hope that the unions' cooperation with the federal government would contribute to educational development.

Tinubu stated, "I would like to enjoin all the unions in our universities to cooperate with the government to deliver the needed development by ensuring an atmosphere of peace and tranquility on our campuses. On our part, we will ensure that motivational activities are put in place to ensure improved productivity.

Reciprocative actions would be expected from our universities as the government works hard to raise the bar of a conducive teaching and learning environment. To whom much is given, much is expected. Dialogue, patience, and positive engagements are better means of achieving results than strike actions. Industrial disharmony does nothing but disrupt life, waste time, and elongate the academic calendar. Therefore, all avenues for dialogue must be explored and exhausted before strike actions are considered, and as the last resort."

He acknowledged the challenges facing higher educational institutions, assuring Nigerians that his government is making efforts to address the situation holistically. Tinubu highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring educational institutions receive their dues for optimal performance, referencing the signing of the Students Loan Bill into law to support indigent students.

Tinubu urged collaboration between the organized private sector, international partners, and Nigerian universities for research funding and the utilization of research outputs. He emphasized that stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and international partners, play a role in funding universities.

Tinubu said, "This will also rub off on our graduates in the areas of value addition, experience, hands-on training, exposure, and less expenditure on employees’ engagement and training. If this kind of learning environment is achieved, we will have students who will be well-focused and eschew all forms of violence and other anti-social behaviors. Hence, I believe that today’s graduands have been certified not only for their academic standing but also for being worthy."

The federal government, in a letter dated October 17, 2023, announced the implementation of a 40% automatic deduction from internally generated revenue of partially funded federal government institutions, effective from November 2023. The decision was met with opposition from the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).