With academic activities across Nigerian universities disrupted by the ongoing two-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the National Assembly has stepped in to broker peace between the union and the Federal Government.
During its plenary session on Tuesday, the House of Representatives urged both parties to immediately resume negotiations to prevent the crisis from escalating into a prolonged shutdown of the university system.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Oluwaseun Whinghan.
Presenting the motion, Whinghan expressed concern that what ASUU described as a “warning strike” could evolve into a full-scale industrial action, citing past experiences where temporary stoppages dragged on for months.
“Although ASUU has described the strike as a warning, previous experiences show that these actions often extend into long-term disruptions,” he said.
He stressed that the Nigerian university system remains crucial to national development, innovation, and human capital growth, warning that continued disruption would weaken the country’s competitiveness, scientific output, and youth productivity.
Whinghan also reminded lawmakers that education is constitutionally recognised under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as a vital tool for social and technological progress, adding that both the government and university unions share a duty to safeguard its continuity and quality.
According to him, the persistent conflicts between ASUU and the Federal Government pose serious threats to Nigeria’s stability and long-term development goals.
He, therefore, called for a renewed, transparent, and respectful dialogue—anchored on good faith—with the legislature serving as a neutral facilitator in the interest of students and the nation.
After deliberation, the House unanimously adopted the motion. It mandated its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment, and Productivity to immediately engage both parties and work toward a lasting resolution.
Lawmakers also advocated for the creation of a permanent joint consultative platform involving the government and recognised university unions to ensure continuous engagement and prevent future strikes.
Additionally, the House resolved to establish an ad hoc committee chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to lead mediation efforts and facilitate the return of lecturers to the classroom as soon as possible.
The lawmakers further appealed to both the Federal Government and ASUU to exercise restraint, embrace dialogue, and prioritise the welfare of students and the overall development of the country.
