The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to immediately resume negotiations to resolve the ongoing dispute that led to the union’s two-week warning strike.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Oluwaseun Whinghan, who represents the Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, during plenary.
ASUU had on Monday commenced a two-week warning strike over the Federal Government’s alleged failure to address lingering issues, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation funding, earned academic allowances, salary structure, and university autonomy.
Before the strike began, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, had assured that the Tinubu administration was in the final phase of discussions with ASUU to resolve all outstanding matters.
Moving the motion, Whinghan expressed deep concern over the renewed industrial action, warning that such strikes often escalate into prolonged shutdowns that disrupt academic calendars, stall research, and heighten frustration among students, parents, and lecturers.
“The House notes that although ASUU has described the strike as a warning, previous experiences show that these actions often degenerate into extended work stoppages,” he said.
“We are aware that the Nigerian university system remains central to national development, innovation, and human-capital growth, and that any disruption weakens the country’s competitiveness, scientific advancement, and youth productivity.”
He noted that education, as recognised under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is a fundamental driver of social and technological progress. He stressed that both the Federal Government and university unions have a collective duty to safeguard its continuity and quality.
Whinghan lamented that repeated strikes in the tertiary education sector have led to student dropouts, brain drain, and declining public confidence in Nigeria’s university system — outcomes that, he said, undermine national stability and long-term development goals.
He therefore called for “renewed dialogue anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith, with the legislature serving as a neutral facilitator in the interest of students and the nation.”
Following the unanimous adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment, and Productivity to intervene immediately between the Federal Government and ASUU to facilitate a lasting resolution.
The House also resolved to constitute an Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to mediate in the crisis and ensure that striking lecturers return to classrooms without further delay.
It 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 recognised university unions for continuous engagement to prevent future industrial actions.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was directed to monitor and report the progress of the mediation efforts to the House within one week.