The House of Representatives has pledged to intervene in the escalating dispute between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, aiming to deliver a lasting solution to avert prolonged disruptions in Nigeria's public universities.
The announcement came Tuesday during a plenary session, following a motion sponsored by Sesi Winghan, the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency.
The intervention comes on the heels of ASUU's indefinite nationwide strike, which began Monday after the union's 14-day ultimatum expired without action from the government.
This marks the first major ASUU action in nearly three years, halting lectures and examinations across institutions and drawing widespread concern over the education sector's stability.
ASUU's grievances trace back to the unfulfilled 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, with renegotiations stalled since 2017 despite multiple government committees.
Key demands include finalizing the renegotiated agreement, releasing three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries, providing sustainable funding for university revitalization, settling 25-35 percent salary arrears, paying promotion arrears spanning over four years, and disbursing withheld cooperative deductions.
The union highlighted the Yayale Ahmed-led committee's draft report, submitted in December 2024, which Education Minister Tahir Mamman claimed he did not receive until February 2025, according to ASUU President Prof.
Emmanuel Osodeke.In response to the strike, the minister invoked the "No Work, No Pay" policy, instructing vice-chancellors to document absent academics.
This move has drawn criticism from allies like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has backed ASUU and faulted the government's stance.
House leadership has been mandated to lead the mediation efforts, focusing on bridging the gap between the parties.
While specific timelines for engagement were not outlined, the motion underscores the lawmakers' commitment to resolving the crisis that has long hampered university operations and academic calendars.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com