The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad hoc committee headed by the Speaker, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, to avert the strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The House also calls on the federal government to establish a permanent joint consultative platform with recognised university unions for continuous engagement to prevent future strikes.
It also mandated the Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment and Productivity to immediately intervene between the Federal Government and ASUU and facilitate a mutually acceptable, lasting resolution to the ongoing dispute.
The House also urged both parties to exercise restraint, embrace dialogue, and prioritise the interests of students and national development above all other considerations.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance titled ‘Urgent Need for Legislative Intervention to Avert a Breakdown in the University System Following ASUU’s Warning Strike’, moved by Mr Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, at plenary.
Leading the debate on the motion, the lawmaker said that the House notes with concern the declaration of a two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over unresolved issues relating to the implementation of prior agreements with the Federal Government, particularly on revitalisation funding, earned academic allowances, salary structure, and university autonomy.
“Further notes that although ASUU has described the strike as a warning, such industrial actions have historically escalated into prolonged shutdowns that disrupt academic calendars, derail research, and deepen the frustration of students, parents, and lecturers alike.
“Aware that the Nigerian university system remains central to national development, innovation, and human-capital growth, and that any disruption in its operations weakens the country’s economic competitiveness, scientific advancement, and youth productivity.
“Further aware that education is constitutionally recognised under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as a fundamental driver of social and technological progress, and that both the Federal Government and university unions share a collective duty to safeguard its continuity and quality.
Cognisant that repeated strikes in the tertiary sector have led to student dropouts, brain drain, and loss of public confidence, thereby threatening national stability and the realisation of Nigeria’s long-term development goals.
“Convinced that 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.”
The House, in adopting the motion and the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Benjamin Kalu, referred it to the relevant committees.
He mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor and report progress of the mediation efforts to the House within one week.