Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to urgently return to the negotiating table, as the two-week warning strike declared by the university lecturers enters its second day.
The appeal followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on Tuesday, moved by Oluwaseun Whinghan, who represents Badagry Federal Constituency in Lagos State. Lawmakers expressed concern that the industrial action, if not swiftly resolved, could spiral into a prolonged shutdown similar to past strikes that paralysed academic activities for months.
ASUU announced the strike on Monday, accusing the Federal Government of failing to honour long-standing commitments, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation funding for public universities, earned academic allowances, improved salary structures, and greater university autonomy.
Education Minister Yusuf Sununu had earlier assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was nearing a resolution with ASUU, but talks appear to have broken down.
Moving the motion, Whinghan warned that repeated strikes had “historically derailed academic calendars, disrupted research, and deepened the frustration of students, parents, and lecturers alike.” He described the university system as “central to national development, innovation, and human-capital growth,” adding that every disruption weakens Nigeria’s global competitiveness and undermines youth productivity.
He further reminded the House that education is constitutionally recognised under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution as a driver of social and technological progress, insisting that both the government and unions share a duty to safeguard its continuity and quality.
Whinghan lamented the long-term effects of recurring strikes, citing increased dropout rates, brain drain, and the erosion of public confidence in Nigerian universities. He called for “renewed dialogue anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith,” suggesting that the National Assembly serve as a neutral facilitator between the two sides.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House directed its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment and Productivity to intervene immediately and broker a lasting resolution. It also resolved to set up an ad hoc committee chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to mediate in the dispute and ensure lecturers return to the classroom without delay.
The House urged both ASUU and the Federal Government to exercise restraint, prioritise the welfare of students, and commit to sustainable dialogue mechanisms. Lawmakers further recommended the creation of a permanent joint consultative platform between the government and recognised university unions to avert future industrial actions.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was tasked with monitoring progress and reporting back to the House within a week.
