REPS MOVE TO MEDIATE IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT–ASUU DISPUTE AS STRIKE DISRUPTS ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The House of Representatives of Nigeria on Tuesday announced plans to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), following a motion sponsored by lawmaker Sesi Winghan of the All Progressives Congress representing Badagry Federal Constituency.
The intervention aims to provide a lasting solution to the lingering issues that led to ASUU’s nationwide two-week warning strike, which began on Monday after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum to the government.
This marks the union’s first nationwide strike in nearly three years. The union has consistently clashed with the government over unmet agreements on conditions of service and university funding contained in the 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement.
ASUU’s demands include concluding the renegotiated 2009 agreement, releasing withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities, payment of outstanding salary arrears of 25–35 per cent, settlement of over four years’ promotion arrears, and release of withheld cooperative contributions deductions.
The renegotiation process has stalled since 2017 despite the government inaugurating multiple committees, the latest being the Yayale Ahmed-led panel inaugurated in October 2024. The committee submitted its report in December, but ASUU says implementation has been delayed.
In response to the strike, the Minister of Education invoked a “No Work, No Pay” policy, directing vice-chancellors to document lecturers who are absent from duty.
The strike has already disrupted examinations in several universities across the country. The House leadership is expected to begin talks with both parties in the coming days to avert a prolonged industrial action.
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