Amanze Chinonye
The House of Representatives has stepped into the ongoing dispute between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), seeking to broker peace and end the two-week warning strike that has paralysed academic activities across public universities since Monday.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Sesi Whingan, who warned that repeated disruptions in the university system were eroding confidence in public education and undermining the nation’s human capital development.
“The strike by ASUU is not only affecting the academic calendar but also the morale of students, parents, and lecturers. There is an urgent need for the House to step in and ensure both sides return to the table,” Whingan said during plenary.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe House mandated its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment and Productivity to immediately engage both parties and report back within one week. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is also expected to lead a special ad hoc committee that will serve as a neutral platform for dialogue.
Lawmakers Appeal for Dialogue
Members of the lower chamber expressed concern over the protracted disputes between ASUU and the government, urging both sides to exercise restraint. The lawmakers called for a sustainable framework that would institutionalise dialogue and prevent future industrial actions.
Speaker Abbas assured that the intervention would prioritise the interests of students and the stability of the education sector.
“Our universities cannot continue to be shut down every other year. We must find lasting mechanisms to resolve these recurring issues,” he said.
READ ALSO: ASUU Strike Grounds Universities Nationwide as FG Enforces ‘No Work, No Pay’
ASUU Strike Looms As Union Rejects FG’s Loan Scheme, Demands Unpaid Salaries, 2009 Agreement
ASUU declared the two-week warning strike on Monday after accusing the Federal Government of failing to honour key aspects of the 2009 ASUU–FGN Agreement, particularly those related to funding, earned allowances, and revitalisation of universities.
ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, had said the strike followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum to the government, noting that “all avenues of dialogue have been exhausted.”
In response, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, defended the government’s position, insisting that most of the union’s demands had been “substantially met.” He reaffirmed the government’s stance on the “No Work, No Pay” policy, directing vice-chancellors to monitor compliance across universities.
Uncertainty Persists
Despite the House intervention, academic and administrative activities remain suspended nationwide. Students have been asked to stay off campuses pending further notice, while ASUU has not indicated any immediate plans to suspend the strike.
The House committees are expected to meet with both ASUU and government representatives in the coming days, with observers saying the success of the talks will determine whether the strike escalates into a full-blown industrial action.
For now, public universities remain shut, leaving thousands of students in limbo as the standoff enters its second day.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
