The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities to urgently return to the negotiating table to resolve the ongoing dispute that led to the declaration of a two-week warning strike by the union.
The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Oluwaseun Whinghan, during plenary.
DAILY POST reports that ASUU had on Monday begun a two-week warning strike over the Federal Government’s alleged failure to address long-standing issues.
The union listed the issues to include the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation funding, earned academic allowances, salary structure, and university autonomy.
Meanwhile, before the commencement of the strike, the Minister of Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, had assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration was in the final stage of talks with ASUU to resolve all outstanding matters.
Whinghan, while moving the motion, expressed deep concern over the renewed strike, warning that such industrial actions have historically escalated into prolonged shutdowns that disrupt academic calendars, derail research, and deepen the frustration of students, parents, and lecturers alike.
“The House notes that although ASUU has described the strike as a warning, previous experiences show that these actions often degenerate into extended work stoppages.
“We are aware that the Nigerian university system remains central to national development, innovation, and human-capital growth, and that any disruption weakens the country’s competitiveness, scientific advancement, and youth productivity,” he said.
According to him, education is constitutionally recognised under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as a key driver of social and technological progress, stressing that both the Federal Government and university unions share a collective duty to protect its continuity and quality.