Reps Move to Intervene in ASUU–FG Dispute as Two-Week Strike Grounds Universities

The House of Representatives has pledged to intervene in the ongoing standoff between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in an effort to end the two-week warning strike declared by the lecturers on Monday.

This decision followed a motion raised on Tuesday by Sesi Whinga, a lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to Channels TV.

Whinga stated that the House leadership intends to mediate between both parties to secure a lasting solution to the recurring industrial crises that have long disrupted Nigeria’s public universities.

ASUU’s nationwide warning strike, its first in nearly three years, commenced after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to meet its unresolved demands.

The union’s grievances include the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU–FGN Agreement, payment of withheld salaries, revitalisation of public universities, and sustainable funding for tertiary education. ASUU is also demanding the payment of 25–35% salary arrears, promotion arrears, and withheld cooperative deductions.

Despite several committees established to review the 2009 agreement, including one led by Yayale Ahmed that submitted its report in December 2024, the recommendations have yet to be implemented.

In reaction to the strike, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa reportedly directed university vice-chancellors to enforce the government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy for striking lecturers.

The industrial action has disrupted examinations and academic activities across various universities, heightening calls for immediate government intervention. Lawmakers have assured that the House leadership will meet with both parties in the coming days to avert a total shutdown of the tertiary education sector.