The House of Representatives has waded into the ongoing industrial dispute between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has led to a total shutdown of academic activities across federal universities.
During plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers mandated Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to lead efforts toward brokering a “mutually acceptable and lasting solution” between both parties.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Sesi Whingan, representing the Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, who emphasized the urgent need to restore stability to the nation’s tertiary education sector.
ASUU commenced a two-week comprehensive strike on October 13, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of its demands.
The strike has halted lectures, research, and administrative activities nationwide.
In response, the Federal Government directed university vice-chancellors to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy on striking lecturers.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said physical headcounts of academic staff would be carried out, with reports expected at the National Universities Commission (NUC) within a week.
Alausa noted that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) were excluded from the sanction, insisting that government had already fulfilled ASUU’s key demands. He described the strike as “needless and counterproductive.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind ASUU, accusing the government of insensitivity and poor commitment to resolving the crisis.
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Presenting his motion, Whingan warned that recurring strikes have eroded confidence in Nigeria’s university system, triggered brain drain, and undermined national productivity.
He said the legislature must act as a “neutral facilitator” to encourage dialogue anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and sincerity.
“The future of millions of Nigerian students hangs in the balance. We must ensure this impasse is resolved in the national interest,” Whingan stated.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, subjected the motion to a voice vote, which received unanimous approval.
The House thereafter urged both the Federal Government and ASUU to return to the negotiation table and prioritise the welfare of students and the country’s educational development.