The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to urgently resume dialogue and resolve the ongoing dispute that led to the union’s two-week warning strike.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Oluwaseun Whinghan, who represents the Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
ASUU had on Monday commenced a two-week warning strike, citing the government’s alleged failure to address long-standing demands, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation funding, earned academic allowances, review of the salary structure, and university autonomy.
Before the strike began, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was in the final phase of discussions aimed at resolving the issues.
Moving the motion, Whinghan expressed concern that renewed industrial action could escalate into a prolonged strike, disrupting the academic calendar and negatively affecting students, parents, and lecturers.
“Although ASUU has described this as a warning strike, past experiences show such actions often degenerate into extended work stoppages,” he said.
“The Nigerian university system is vital to national development, innovation, and human-capital growth. Any disruption weakens our competitiveness, scientific progress, and youth productivity.”
He emphasised that education is a constitutional priority, as recognised under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and urged both the government and the union to uphold their shared responsibility to safeguard its stability.
Whinghan further lamented that repeated strikes have contributed to student dropouts, brain drain, and loss of confidence in Nigeria’s higher education system, undermining national development.
Following deliberation, the House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment, and Productivity to mediate between the Federal Government and ASUU for a sustainable resolution.
The House also resolved to constitute an Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to oversee the mediation process and ensure that lecturers return to classrooms promptly.
Lawmakers urged both parties to exercise restraint, embrace dialogue, and prioritise the interests of students and national development above all else.
Additionally, the House called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent joint consultative platform with university unions to facilitate continuous engagement and prevent future industrial actions.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was directed to report progress within one week to ensure accountability and transparency in the mediation process.