The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to urgently return to the negotiating table to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute that led to a two-week warning strike by the union.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved during plenary on Tuesday by Hon. Oluwaseun Whinghan, who represents Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
ASUU commenced the warning strike on Monday, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address key demands, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation funding for public universities, payment of earned academic allowances, review of salary structure, and concerns over university autonomy.
Before the strike began, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, had stated that the administration was in the final stages of negotiations with ASUU to resolve the lingering issues. However, the renewed action by the union has reignited fears of prolonged academic disruption.
Raising the motion, Whinghan expressed deep concern over the strike, warning that past experiences show that such warning actions often escalate into extended shutdowns. He stressed that repeated industrial actions have negatively impacted academic calendars, disrupted research, and caused frustration among students, parents, and lecturers.
He described Nigeria’s university system as central to innovation, human capital development, and national growth, noting that its continued disruption undermines competitiveness, youth productivity, and scientific advancement. Whinghan added that education is constitutionally recognised under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and both the government and university unions must protect its continuity and quality.
He further lamented the long-term effects of recurring strikes, including rising dropout rates, brain drain, and a steady loss of public confidence in the university system, all of which threaten national stability and long-term development.
The House, after a unanimous vote in support of the motion, called for renewed dialogue built on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith. It mandated its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment, and Productivity to immediately intervene and facilitate a resolution between the Federal Government and ASUU.
An Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas was also constituted to mediate in the crisis and ensure lecturers return to classrooms without delay. The House further urged both parties to prioritise the interest of students and national development above all other considerations.
In addition, the lawmakers called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent joint consultative platform with recognised university unions to promote ongoing dialogue and prevent future industrial actions.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was directed to monitor the progress of the mediation and report back to the House within one week.
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