The House of Representatives has resolved to step in and help resolve the ongoing disagreement between Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in a bid to restore stability to the nation’s higher education system.
Gatekeepers News reports that in Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers directed Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to lead the mediation process aimed at achieving a mutually acceptable and lasting solution to the crisis.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Sesi Whingan, the representative for Badagry Federal Constituency, Lagos State.
Recall that ASUU had on Sunday declared a two-week comprehensive strike, citing the government’s alleged failure to address long-standing demands.
The industrial action, which commenced on October 13, has disrupted academic activities across most federal universities.
In response, the Federal Government instructed vice-chancellors to enforce the no work, no pay policy on lecturers involved in the strike.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, directed that physical headcounts of staff be carried out, with compliance reports submitted to the National Universities Commission (NUC) within seven days.
He clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) unions that are not participating in the strike would not be affected. Alausa insisted that the government had met all of ASUU’s demands and described the industrial action as unwarranted.
While presenting his motion, Whingan stressed that universities play a vital role in national development, innovation, and human capital formation. He warned that the continuous disruption of academic activities weakens the country’s economic competitiveness and hampers youth productivity.
He said, “The lingering impasse between ASUU and the Federal Government requires renewed dialogue anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith, with the legislature serving as a neutral facilitator in the interest of students and the nation.”
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu conducted a voice vote, and lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion.
The House subsequently urged both parties to prioritise students’ welfare and national progress by embracing constructive engagement and peaceful resolution.
