The Federal Government says four-year degree programmes must be completed within the stipulated period, as it moves to strengthen monitoring of agreements with unions in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, who announced this in Abuja while unveiling the 2026 agreements with the unions, said the government would expand the existing Implementation and Monitoring Committee to cover academic and non-academic staff unions across tertiary institutions.

The committee will track commitments, resolve implementation challenges and promote dialogue to prevent disputes from escalating into strikes.

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics said implementation of its agreement has begun, with members receiving outstanding arrears between July and September.