Reps urge FG and ASUU to return to talks and end the ongoing two-week warning strike to prevent further disruption in universities

ASUU warning strike has drawn the attention of the House of Representatives, which on Tuesday appealed to both the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities to immediately resume dialogue and end the ongoing two-week industrial action.

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The House’s resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Oluwaseun Whinghan, who represents Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

Lawmakers expressed deep concern that the ASUU warning strike could escalate into another prolonged shutdown of public universities, disrupting academic activities and frustrating students and parents alike.

Whinghan reminded his colleagues that repeated industrial actions in Nigeria’s university system have weakened research, eroded academic quality, and undermined national development.

He noted that education remains a constitutional priority under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution, and urged both parties to act with responsibility and patriotism.

“The House recognises that while the strike may be tagged a warning, history shows that such actions often drag into extended stoppages,” he said, stressing the need for “renewed dialogue anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith.”

Following the motion’s adoption, the House mandated its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment, and Productivity to intervene between the government and ASUU.

It also resolved to constitute an Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to mediate in the crisis and ensure that lecturers return to classrooms swiftly.

Lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent consultative platform for continuous engagement with university unions to prevent future strikes.

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The intervention comes amid growing concern that the ASUU warning strike could derail ongoing academic programmes and worsen the challenges already facing Nigeria’s higher education sector.