Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has expressed concern that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is inflicting the greatest harm on children from low-income families who depend on public universities for their education.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking with journalists on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, Agbese cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against joining ASUU’s industrial action, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing reforms in the education sector led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.
His remarks followed a four-week ultimatum issued by the NLC, threatening to join the strike if the federal government fails to resolve its dispute with university-based unions.
Agbese urged labour leaders and other education stakeholders to support the minister’s reform efforts, describing them as “bold, transformative, and essential” for repositioning Nigeria’s education system for global competitiveness.
“In developed countries, when a government begins to perform well in certain sectors, citizens usually give it some time — a holiday of sorts — to observe and consolidate on progress made. That is what we need to do now for the education sector,” Agbese said.
The lawmaker, who represents Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency of Benue State, listed several achievements under Dr. Alausa, including reforms in university administration, improved funding transparency, and a stronger focus on research, innovation, and digital learning.
He noted that the federal government has increased annual tertiary admission capacity from 750,000 to one million students, while harmonising tuition policies through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to enhance fairness and access.
Agbese also commended the launch of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and the implementation of the Students Loan Scheme under NELFUND, which has expanded access to higher education for indigent students.
He further highlighted the World Bank-supported Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, which provides conditional cash transfers, improves school infrastructure, and equips girls with digital and life skills as part of broader education reforms.
According to him, these initiatives are already producing visible results and should be allowed to mature rather than being derailed by strikes.
“As stakeholders, we must see ourselves as part of the Nigerian project. Strikes have never solved our problems — they only make matters worse,” Agbese said.
“The National Assembly remains open to dialogue and intervention. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, understands the struggles of the academic community and is always ready to engage.”
He urged ASUU to move away from what he called “the same old formula” of repeated strikes and to reposition itself as a think tank that generates constructive policy ideas for government.
“The worst hit each time ASUU goes on strike are the poor teachers’ children and those from low-income homes who attend public schools,” he lamented.
“The Honourable Minister himself understands these challenges because he has lived through them. That is why we must give him the support needed to complete these reforms.”
Reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to acting as a bridge between the government and education stakeholders, Agbese appealed for dialogue over confrontation in resolving the ongoing dispute.
