The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians never again experience industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) or any other academic trade unions.
Dr. Alausa made this declaration at the 2025 Scientific Conference and Induction Ceremony of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria (AMSN) held over the weekend in Lagos, where 15 professors in various medical fields were inducted as Fellows of the Academy.
During the event, the Minister and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu — represented by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi — were conferred with the titles of Honorary Fellow and Patron of the Academy, respectively.
Alausa emphasized that maintaining smooth, uninterrupted academic calendars across all educational levels is crucial to Nigeria’s development. He expressed concern that ASUU had been on strike for a total of 54 months since its inception — a record he described as “unenviable and detrimental to national progress.”
“In President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, eliminating strikes in universities is a top priority,” the minister said. “The President is deeply committed to ensuring that no Nigerian student is kept at home when they should be in school studying.”
He explained that the government is backing this commitment with several key interventions, including the student loan scheme, the repositioning of TETFund, and the proposed Education Research Fund, all aimed at revitalizing tertiary education and ensuring sustainability.
Alausa noted that President Tinubu places strong emphasis on human capital development, recognizing education as the foundation for national growth. “He always grants me audience whenever there’s a matter concerning ASUU or other unions because he understands that the quality of our graduates and institutions must meet global standards,” he added.
The minister expressed appreciation to the Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria, particularly its founding members — many of whom he described as his teachers and mentors — for their contributions to medicine, research, and national development. He also regarded his honorary fellowship, which took nearly a year to earn due to its rigorous criteria, as a “rare privilege.”
Dr. Alausa pledged to strengthen the Ministry of Education’s collaboration with the Academy, urging the newly inducted fellows to deepen their commitment to evidence-based and solution-driven research that can advance the country’s healthcare system.
In his remarks, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Prof. Abayomi, commended the Academy for promoting excellence in research and mentorship, describing medicine as “a calling to serve humanity with compassion and integrity.” He reiterated Lagos State’s dedication to building a health system that prioritizes accessibility and quality care for all residents.
“From upgrading our general hospitals to expanding access through the state health scheme and strengthening cancer treatment facilities, our mission is clear — no Lagosian should be denied quality healthcare due to circumstance,” he said.
Earlier, Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie, President of the Academy, highlighted the Academy’s role in promoting excellence in medical research and education, bridging research with practical healthcare, and improving national welfare.
Among the new Fellows inducted were Prof. Taiwo Lawal, Prof. Clement Azodo, Prof. Titilope Adeyemo, Prof. Kikelomo Kolawole, Prof. Emmanuel Otolorin, Prof. Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, Prof. Ganiyu Arinola, Prof. Maryam Aminu, Prof. Akinniyi Osuntoki, Prof. Kazeem Oshikoya, Prof. Samuel Olaleye, Prof. C.S. Nworu, Prof. Adepitan Owosho, and Prof. Abdulrazaq Habib.
Other notable dignitaries at the event included Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, founding president of the Academy and co-pioneer of IVF treatment in sub-Saharan Africa; Dr. Sonny Kuku, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Prof. Catherine Falade; Prof. Joseph Ahaneku; Prof. Ibrahim Yakasai; Prof. Adeyinka Adelusi; and Prof. Onatolu Odukoya, among others.
With the new inductees, Prof. Giwa-Osagie announced that the Academy’s membership has now grown to over 100 Fellows in its six years of existence.
