The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to immediately return to the negotiating table to resolve the issues that led to the union’s two-week warning strike.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Oluwaseun Whinghan, who represents Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
ASUU had on Monday commenced the warning strike over the government’s alleged failure to implement the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, address revitalisation funding, earned academic allowances, salary structure, and university autonomy.
Whinghan expressed concern that the renewed strike could escalate into a prolonged shutdown, disrupting academic calendars and worsening the frustration of students and lecturers. He stressed that education remains a constitutional priority under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution and urged both parties to protect the continuity and quality of Nigeria’s university system.
Following 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 for a lasting resolution.
The House also resolved to set up an ad hoc committee chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to engage both parties and ensure lecturers return to classrooms promptly.
Lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent joint consultative platform with university unions for continuous dialogue to prevent future strikes.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was directed to monitor and report back to the House within one week.
