The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resume negotiations immediately to end the ongoing two-week warning strike declared by the union.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Oluwaseun Whinghan, representing Badagry Federal Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary.
ASUU had begun the strike on Monday, citing the government’s failure to address long-standing issues, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, earned allowances, revitalisation funding, salary structure, and university autonomy.
Whinghan warned that previous short-term strikes often escalated into prolonged shutdowns, which disrupted academic calendars, weakened research output, and increased frustration among students and lecturers.
“The Nigerian university system is central to national development, innovation, and human-capital growth. Any disruption undermines competitiveness and productivity,” he said.
He urged both parties to pursue dialogue “anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith,” while emphasising the legislature’s readiness to serve as a neutral facilitator.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House mandated its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment and Productivity to mediate between ASUU and the Federal Government to reach a lasting solution.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas was directed to chair an ad-hoc committee to oversee the talks and ensure lecturers return to classrooms without delay.
The House also advised the Federal Government to establish a permanent consultative platform with university unions for continuous engagement to prevent future disruptions.
