The House of Representatives has announced its readiness to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). This development came on Tuesday following a motion raised by Hon. Sesi Whingan, who represents the Badagry Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The intervention seeks to bring a lasting resolution to the long-standing crisis that has once again disrupted academic activities across Nigerian universities.
Hon. Whingan, in his motion, emphasized that the House could no longer fold its arms while the education sector continues to suffer due to recurring strikes. He called for an immediate engagement between the leadership of the House, ASUU executives, and the Federal Government to find a permanent solution to the recurring industrial actions. The Speaker of the House assured lawmakers that the chamber’s leadership would take proactive steps to ensure the strike does not prolong or deepen the educational crisis.
The latest strike action by ASUU commenced on Monday, marking the first nationwide strike in almost three years. The union had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its long-standing demands, which expired without any meaningful resolution, forcing the academic body to embark on a two-week warning strike. This action has already begun to affect academic calendars and examinations in several public universities across the country.
ASUU’s decision follows years of unresolved disputes with the Federal Government over issues bordering on funding, welfare, and the implementation of agreements reached as far back as 2009. The union maintains that the government has repeatedly failed to honor its commitments, thereby leaving the nation’s tertiary education system in a state of instability. The ongoing impasse has again sparked nationwide concern among students, parents, and educational stakeholders.
According to ASUU, its key demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, the release of the withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, sustainable funding for public universities, and the revitalization of university infrastructure. The union also listed other unmet demands such as the payment of outstanding 25–35 percent salary arrears, settlement of promotion arrears accumulated over four years, and the release of withheld cooperative contribution deductions.
The renegotiation of the 2009 agreement has remained one of the most contentious issues between ASUU and the Federal Government. Since 2017, at least six committees have been inaugurated to review the terms of the agreement, but none of their draft reports have been fully implemented. ASUU insists that the government’s lack of political will has stalled meaningful progress despite repeated promises.
The most recent attempt at renegotiation came through the Yayale Ahmed-led committee, inaugurated in October 2024. The committee submitted its report to the government in December of the same year, but according to ASUU President, Dr. Chris Piwuna, the Minister of Education claimed he did not receive the report until February 2025. This delay, ASUU argues, is another indication of the government’s nonchalant attitude toward addressing their legitimate demands.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government’s reaction to ASUU’s industrial action has generated additional controversy. The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, immediately enforced the “No Work, No Pay” policy, directing university vice-chancellors to compile the names of lecturers who failed to report for duty. This decision has been criticized by labor unions and civil society groups, who argue that it could worsen the already tense situation.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has openly declared its support for ASUU while faulting the government’s “No Work, No Pay” stance. The NLC insisted that rather than issuing threats, the government should focus on dialogue and the genuine implementation of agreements. The Congress stated that the lecturers’ demands were legitimate and in the best interest of revitalizing Nigeria’s deteriorating higher education system.
Across several public universities, the ongoing strike has disrupted examinations and academic schedules, leaving thousands of students stranded. Reports from institutions such as the University of Benin, the University of Lagos, and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, indicate that academic activities have been suspended pending further notice. Many students have expressed frustration, describing the situation as a “cycle of uncertainty.”
The House of Representatives’ decision to intervene has been widely welcomed as a step in the right direction. Lawmakers emphasized that frequent disruptions to academic activities have far-reaching consequences on Nigeria’s human capital development. They urged both ASUU and the government to embrace dialogue and put national interest above personal or institutional considerations.
