The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to immediately return to the negotiation table to resolve the ongoing dispute that prompted the union’s two-week warning strike.
This call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Oluwaseun Whinghan, who represents the Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, during Tuesday’s plenary.
Recall that ASUU on Monday commenced a two-week warning strike, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address several long-standing issues affecting the nation’s universities.
While moving the motion, Hon. Whinghan expressed concern that the renewed strike could escalate into another prolonged industrial action, disrupting academic calendars, halting research activities, and heightening frustration among students, parents, and lecturers.
Before the strike began, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, had assured that the Tinubu administration was in the final stages of talks with ASUU to resolve all outstanding matters.
ASUU’s demands include the full implementation of the 2009 ASUU–FG Agreement, revitalisation funding for universities, payment of earned academic allowances, a reviewed salary structure, and respect for university autonomy.
The House expressed worry that although the union described the action as a “warning strike,” similar actions in the past have often degenerated into prolonged shutdowns.
Hon. Whinghan stressed that Nigeria’s university system is critical to national development, innovation, and human-capital growth. He further cited Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which recognises education as a key driver of social and technological progress, adding that both the Federal Government and university unions have a shared responsibility to safeguard the continuity and quality of the education sector
