The House of Representatives has stepped in to resolve the growing tension between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government to end the warning strike.
The lawmakers’ intervention follows the two-week warning strike declared by ASUU on Monday after its 14-day ultimatum expired.
Lawmaker Sesi Whingan, who represents Badagry Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), moved the motion on Tuesday. According to Channels TV, he said the House leadership aims to find a lasting solution to the crisis crippling Nigeria’s public universities.
ASUU’s strike marks its first nationwide action in almost three years. The union accuses the government of ignoring key agreements and unpaid entitlements.
Among the lecturers’ major demands are the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, payment of withheld salaries, and revitalisation of public universities. They also seek sustainable funding and settlement of promotion arrears spanning four years.
Additionally, the union wants the release of withheld cooperative deductions and full payment of salary arrears between 25–35%.
The renegotiation of the 2009 agreement has stalled since 2017. Although several committees were set up, including one led by Yayale Ahmed, none of their recommendations have been implemented since the report’s submission in December 2024.
In reaction, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has directed university vice-chancellors to enforce the government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy. This decision has further heightened tensions within the academic community.
Meanwhile, the strike has already disrupted examinations in several universities nationwide, leaving thousands of students stranded.
Lawmakers, however, promise swift mediation. They plan to meet both parties soon to prevent a total shutdown of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
