Reps Urge FG, ASUU to Resume Talks, End Two-Week Warning Strike
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to urgently return to the negotiation table and resolve the ongoing dispute that led to the union’s two-week warning strike.
This resolution came after a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Oluwaseun Whinghan, representing Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
ASUU began its two-week warning strike on Monday, accusing the government of failing to address several long-standing issues, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation funds, earned academic allowances, salary structure, and university autonomy.
Before the strike began, Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, had assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration was in the final stages of negotiations with the union.
While presenting his motion, Whinghan expressed concern that the renewed strike could once again lead to a prolonged academic shutdown.
He said, “Although ASUU has described this as a warning strike, past experiences show that such actions often drag on and disrupt academic calendars, derail research, and frustrate students, parents, and lecturers alike.”
Whinghan emphasised that Nigeria’s university system is crucial to national growth, innovation, and human-capital development, warning that repeated disruptions weaken the nation’s competitiveness and productivity.
He added that education, recognised under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), remains a vital tool for national development, and both the government and the unions have a shared responsibility to protect it.
The lawmaker also lamented the negative impacts of frequent strikes, such as student dropouts, brain drain, and the loss of public trust in the university system.
He urged both parties to embrace dialogue “anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith,” suggesting that the legislature could serve as a neutral facilitator in the talks.
Following the unanimous adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment and Productivity to immediately mediate between ASUU and the Federal Government.
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Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is to chair an Committee that will oversee the mediation process and ensure that lecturers return to classrooms as soon as possible.
The House further urged both parties to exercise restraint and prioritise the interests of students and national development above all else.
Additionally, lawmakers called on the Federal Government to set up a permanent joint consultative platform with university unions to ensure continuous engagement and prevent future industrial disputes.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also directed to monitor progress and report back to the House within one week.
