The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to urgently return to the negotiating table to resolve the ongoing dispute that prompted a two-week warning strike by the union.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Oluwaseun Whinghan, representing Badagry Federal Constituency in Lagos State, during plenary.
ASUU had commenced the strike on Monday, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address unresolved issues, including the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation funding, earned academic allowances, salary structure, and university autonomy.
Prior to the strike, Minister of Education Dr Yusuf Sununu had assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was in the final stages of talks with the union.
In his motion, Whinghan stated that warning strikes often escalate into prolonged industrial actions, disrupting academic calendars, research activities, and the overall educational environment for students, lecturers, and parents.
"The Nigerian university system is central to national development, innovation, and human-capital growth. Any disruption undermines scientific advancement, youth productivity, and the country’s competitiveness," she said.
He further pointed out the constitutional significance of education under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and stressed that both the Federal Government and university unions share a collective responsibility to maintain its continuity and quality.
The Lawmaker also warned that repeated strikes have contributed to student dropouts, brain drain, and declining public confidence in the nation’s universities, with long-term implications for national stability and development.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment, and Productivity to intervene immediately to facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution.
An ad-hoc committee, chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, will oversee mediation efforts to ensure lecturers return to classrooms without delay.
The House urged both parties to prioritise dialogue, mutual respect, and the interests of students over other considerations.
It also called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent consultative platform with recognised university unions to avert future industrial disputes. The Committee on Legislative Compliance was directed to monitor and report progress within one week.
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