FG Inaugurates Expanded Committee to Avert ASUU Strike

The Federal Government has restructured and officially launched the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee to expedite current discussions with both academic and non-academic unions throughout universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The establishment of this negotiation committee, which was initiated by the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, is perceived as a swift response to prevent the impending strike following the two-week strike notice issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) last Monday.

The leadership of ASUU has already begun to mobilise its members nationwide in anticipation of an indefinite strike that will be preceded by a warning strike once the ultimatum expires.

During the committee’s inauguration, Minister Alausa stated that this new committee aims to unify all negotiation efforts under a single coordinated framework that encapsulates institutional knowledge and inclusivity across the sector.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by Mrs Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Alausa was joined by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed.

Alausa noted that, unlike past disjointed negotiations, the expanded committee will address all unions collectively to forge a comprehensive and enduring agreement. “We have meticulously selected committee members to represent a wide spectrum of the education sector, ensuring all groups are included,” he specified.

The minister revealed that the committee has been allotted a well-equipped and functional secretariat to facilitate its duties efficiently, sharing that the inaugural meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 7 October.

He urged all academic and non-academic unions to fully cooperate and respond promptly to the committee’s initiatives.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted full political support to this initiative, with a clear instruction for rapid, equitable conclusions to all negotiations while maintaining a spirit of mutual respect.

“President Tinubu’s directive is that all our children must be in school. “This represents renewed hope in action,” Dr Alausa highlighted, expressing gratitude to all unions for their patience and dedication as the government strives for a conclusive and thorough agreement.

In his comments, the Minister of Labour and Employment praised the education ministers for their exemplary leadership and inclusive method in the current negotiation efforts.

He underscored that genuine and lasting peace is only attainable when all stakeholders are engaged, remarking that omitting any party would only foster division and hinder collective advancement.

He additionally urged the members of the expanded committee to serve as impartial mediators, upholding fairness, justice, and stability while facilitating dialogue between employers and employees.

The minister reminded them that their early involvement will guarantee the effective enforcement of the final agreements, promoting transparency and mutual understanding.

He called for commitment to the process and ongoing discussions with all parties, recognising both the government’s limitations and the valid concerns of workers.