Less than a day after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) announced plans for a nationwide strike next week, the Federal Government has inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee to hasten dialogue with academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued early Tuesday by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education. The committee is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, October 7, at 2 p.m.
According to the statement, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the committee was established to unify all ongoing negotiation efforts under a single framework that promotes inclusiveness and preserves institutional memory. He noted that the new structure replaces previous fragmented negotiations with a comprehensive and coordinated process.
“The committee’s membership reflects the full spectrum of the education sector to ensure that no group is left out,” Dr. Alausa stated. He added that the committee has been equipped with a functional secretariat to aid its work and urged all unions to cooperate and engage promptly.
Dr. Alausa further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given full political support to the initiative, directing that all discussions be concluded “swiftly, fairly, and in the spirit of mutual respect.” He added, “President Tinubu’s mandate is that all our children must be in school. This is renewed hope in action.”
At the inauguration, Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, commended the education ministers for their inclusive approach, stressing that lasting peace in the education sector can only be achieved when all stakeholders are part of the process. He urged committee members to serve as neutral mediators committed to fairness and transparency.
He reminded them that their early engagement would help ensure effective implementation of final agreements and sustained peace in tertiary institutions. “Dialogue, consultation, and open communication remain key to preventing future strikes,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed thanked the Federal Government for entrusting them with the assignment. He pledged that the committee would operate with openness, integrity, and a strong commitment to practical and sustainable outcomes.
“We will ensure that every agreement reached promotes industrial harmony and long-term productivity in the education sector,” he assured.
