The House of Representatives has resolved to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), following the union’s declaration of a two-week warning strike on Monday.
The decision came after a motion presented by Hon. Sesi Winghan, who represents Badagry Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Winghan, the House leadership must act urgently to prevent further disruption in Nigeria’s public university system and facilitate a lasting resolution to the prolonged crisis between the government and the academic union.
ASUU Strike: Background and Key Demands
ASUU declared the warning strike after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unfulfilled commitments, including issues dating back to the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement.
The union’s core demands include:
- Conclusion and signing of the renegotiated 2009 Agreement
- Release of withheld salaries (three and a half months)
- Sustainable funding of public universities
- Revitalisation of infrastructure in tertiary institutions
- Payment of 25-35% salary arrears and over four years of promotion arrears
- Release of cooperative contribution deductions withheld by the government
ASUU President, Dr. Chris Piwuna, expressed frustration that the Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee report—submitted in December 2024—has still not been acted upon by the Ministry of Education.
Reps Pledge Mediation Role
While acknowledging the complexity of the issues, lawmakers stressed that continued government inaction could escalate the crisis and lead to another prolonged industrial action, as seen in past years.
“Education is too important to be the victim of bureaucratic delays and unresolved agreements. We must step in now,” Winghan told the chamber.
The Green Chamber resolved to engage both ASUU and relevant government agencies, including the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour, to fast-track negotiations and broker peace.
Strike Disrupts University Activities Nationwide
The strike has already disrupted examinations and academic activities in several public universities across Nigeria, further straining students, parents, and the entire tertiary education system.
In response, the Federal Ministry of Education has reportedly directed Vice-Chancellors to document lecturers participating in the strike, enforcing the government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), however, has backed ASUU, accusing the government of failing to honour its commitments and warning against the “punitive” no-pay approach.
