Speaker Abbas Leads Reps’ Effort to Resolve FG-ASUU Crisis

The House of Representatives has decided to step in to address the ongoing labor conflict between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to help achieve a mutually agreeable and enduring solution.

This decision came after a motion of urgent national significance put forth by Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, which called on both parties to show restraint, engage in dialogue, and prioritize the concerns of students and national progress above all else.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen will head an ad-hoc committee to engage with both the Federal Government and ASUU. The House also advocated for the creation of a permanent joint consultative platform between the government-recognized university unions to ensure ongoing dialogue and prevent future strikes.

In his motion, Whingan expressed alarm over ASUU’s announcement of a two-week warning strike due to unresolved matters like revitalization funding, academic allowances, salary structure, and university autonomy.

He cautioned that while the strike was labeled a warning, such industrial actions have a history of escalating into prolonged disruptions that can disrupt academic schedules, hinder research, and increase frustration among students, parents, and educators.

Whingan highlighted that the university system is essential for national progress, innovation, and development of human capital, stating that disruptions weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness in the economy, scientific progress, and youth productivity.

Referencing Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he emphasized that education is a key driver of social and technological advancement, insisting that both the federal government and university unions have a duty to maintain its continuity and quality.

He pointed out that recurring strikes have resulted in student dropouts, brain drain, and diminished public trust in the higher education system, which poses a threat to national stability and long-term developmental goals.

Whingan called on both parties to return to the negotiation table based on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith, with the National Assembly acting as a neutral mediator in the interests of students and the nation.