The Nigerian Senate has stepped in to mediate the ongoing dispute between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, following the union’s decision to embark on a two-week warning strike.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, announced the intervention after a closed-door meeting with ASUU leaders at the National Assembly in Abuja on Friday.
Dandutse acknowledged the grievances that led to the strike, assuring that the committee would handle the union’s concerns with urgency and fairness.
“We understand the frustration that brought about this industrial action. The committee will give all issues raised by ASUU the attention they deserve because our universities are the foundation of national development,” Dandutse stated.
He stressed that while the Senate does not support strikes or executive threats, it remains committed to ensuring accountability and efficiency within the nation’s tertiary education system.
“The ASUU strike is a long-standing issue that requires a holistic solution. We are here to ensure that the right steps are taken to end this recurring problem once and for all,” he added.
Following the meeting, the committee resolved to communicate its position to the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to facilitate prompt negotiations aimed at ending the standoff.
Dandutse also revealed plans to engage the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the disputed land belonging to the University of Abuja, which ASUU alleged had been revoked by the FCT administration.
“We will interface with the Minister of the FCT to address the land issue and other pressing needs of the university system,” he said.
ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, confirmed that the union had commenced the warning strike, explaining that the decision followed years of unfulfilled agreements with the Federal Government.
“Our struggle is rooted in the need for sustainable funding for tertiary institutions, improved conditions of service, university autonomy, and academic freedom,” Piwuna stated.
He also appealed to the Senate to ensure that adequate budgetary allocations are made to the education sector, emphasizing that Nigeria’s universities cannot thrive without consistent and sufficient funding.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to resolving the crisis swiftly.
“Education is the foundation of every society. We cannot allow our students to remain idle at home. The Senate will do everything within its powers to end this strike,” he assured.
Barau further noted that President Bola Tinubu is fully aware of the situation and is working tirelessly to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s education system.
“The president remains committed to ensuring lasting peace and stability in the education sector,” he added.