The House of Representatives has stepped into the ongoing dispute between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), calling for an immediate return to the negotiation table to end the lecturers’ warning strike.
The lawmakers made the appeal during Tuesday’s plenary after adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Oluwaseun Whinghan, who represents the Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
ASUU had on Monday commenced a two-week warning strike over what it described as the government’s consistent failure to meet key demands, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation funds, earned allowances, and improved university autonomy.
Before the strike began, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, had assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was close to resolving all lingering issues with the union.
However, while presenting his motion, Whinghan warned that recurring strikes have repeatedly disrupted the academic system, destabilised research, and frustrated both lecturers and students.
He said, “Although ASUU has termed this a warning strike, history shows that such actions often stretch into indefinite shutdowns with severe consequences for the education sector.”
The lawmaker stressed that universities play a vital role in national development and innovation, and any disruption undermines the nation’s growth and youth productivity.
He added that education remains a constitutional responsibility of government under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), urging both the Federal Government and university unions to protect the integrity of the system through continuous dialogue.
Whinghan lamented that the frequency of industrial actions has contributed to rising student dropouts, brain drain, and a steady decline in public trust in Nigeria’s university system.
He therefore called for renewed engagement “anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith,” with the National Assembly serving as a neutral platform to facilitate lasting peace.
Following the motion’s unanimous adoption, the House directed its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment, and Productivity to mediate between ASUU and the government to reach a quick resolution.
An Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will also oversee the intervention process and ensure that lecturers return to the classrooms without delay.
The House further urged both parties to show restraint, prioritise students’ welfare, and place national development above personal or institutional interests.
Lawmakers also proposed the creation of a permanent joint consultative framework between the Federal Government and recognised university unions to allow continuous engagement and prevent future strikes.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was tasked with monitoring the progress of the talks and reporting back to the House within one week.
