This follows the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Oluwaseun Whinghan.
As tension continues to mount over the two-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the National Assembly has stepped in the ongoing industrial dispute that has disrupted academic activities nationwide.
During Tuesday’s plenary, the House of Representatives urged both the Nigerian government and ASUU to urgently resume negotiations in a bid to avert a prolonged crisis in the education sector.
This follows the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Oluwaseun Whinghan.
Presenting his motion, Whinghan drew attention to the historical pattern of short warning strikes evolving into more extended industrial actions.
"The House notes that although ASUU has described the strike as a warning, previous experiences show that these actions often degenerate into extended work stoppages,” he said.
Underscoring the strategic role of higher education, the lawmaker added, “We are aware that the Nigerian university system remains central to national development, innovation, and human-capital growth, and that any disruption weakens the country’s competitiveness, scientific advancement, and youth productivity.”
Whinghan further highlighted the legal foundation supporting education, noting that "education is constitutionally recognised under Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as a key driver of social and technological progress, stressing that both the Federal Government and university unions share a collective duty to protect its continuity and quality."
He warned of long term impacts of the continued disagreements between the lecturers and the Nigerian government.
According to him, the developments threaten Nigeria’s stability and long-term development.
To address this, Whinghan called for “renewed dialogue anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and good faith, with the legislature serving as a neutral facilitator in the interest of students and the nation.”
After extensive deliberation, the House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment, and Productivity to immediately intervene in the dispute to help achieve a lasting resolution.
This is even as they called on the government to create a permanent joint consultative platform with recognised university unions to ensure consistent engagement and reduce the recurrence of industrial actions.
Lawmakers also resolved to constitute an ad-hoc committee chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to lead mediation efforts and ensure striking lecturers return to the classroom without further delay.
The lawmakers also unanimously urged both the Nigerian government and ASUU to exercise restraint, embrace dialogue, and prioritise the interest of students and national development.