The Nigerian government has reconstituted and inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Tertiary Institutions Committee to fast-track negotiations with academic and non-academic unions in tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, at the meeting, said the new committee was designed to harmonise all negotiation processes under one coordinated framework that reflects institutional memory and sector-wide inclusiveness.
He was joined by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed.
Dr Alausa, in a statement by the Director of Press of the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, explained that, unlike previous fragmented negotiations, the expanded committee will engage all unions collectively to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable agreement.
“The membership of the committee has been carefully chosen to represent the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is left behind,” he said.
Recall that ASUU had recently given a two-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government to meet its demand contained in an earlier agreement or face strike action.
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The Minister disclosed that the committee has been provided with a well-equipped and functional secretariat to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.
He urged all academic and non-academic unions to cooperate fully and respond promptly to the committee’s engagements.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given full political backing to the process, with a clear directive that all negotiations be concluded swiftly, fairly, and in the spirit of mutual respect.
“President Tinubu’s mandate is that all our children must be in school. This is renewed hope in action,” Dr Alausa emphasised.
He expressed appreciation to all unions for their patience and commitment as the government works toward a final and comprehensive agreement.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment commended the Ministers of Education for their exemplary leadership and inclusive approach in the ongoing negotiation process.
He emphasised that true and lasting peace can only be achieved when all stakeholders are involved, noting that excluding any party would only breed division and undermine collective progress.
“I urge members of the expanded committee to act as impartial reconciliators, upholding justice, fairness, and stability while mediating between employers and employees,” he said.
The Minister reminded them that their early participation will ensure effective implementation of the final agreements, fostering transparency and mutual understanding.
He called for dedication to the process and continuous engagement with all parties, acknowledging both the limitations of government and the legitimate concerns of workers.
Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fair and lasting resolutions, he stressed that dialogue, consultation, and open communication remain vital to preventing future industrial actions and ensuring sustained peace and progress in the education sector.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in them to steer such a crucial national assignment.
“I assure you that the committee will approach its task with openness, inclusiveness, and integrity, listening to all stakeholders, fostering trust, and working toward agreements that promote industrial harmony and strengthen the nation’s tertiary institutions,” he said.
He pledged that the committee will not only negotiate but also ensure that the recommendations and agreements reached are practical, realistic, and capable of sustaining long-term peace and productivity within the education sector.