From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government has responded to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) regarding the recent threat to embark on a nationwide strike over some unresolved labour issues.
ASUU, on Monday, noted that the government was yet to respond to the nationwide ultimatum it issued a few days ago, hence it’s mobilizing its members nationwide for the strike which it had earlier notified the government.
The government expressed poor confidence in the renegotiation team with ASUU and university-based unions, hence the decision to reconstitute and inaugurate an expanded negotiation committee led by Yayale Ahmed to accelerate ongoing discussions with academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Folasade Boriowo, Director, Press and Public Relations in the federal ministry of education, in a statement, on Tuesday, announced that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed that all negotiations with ASUU be concluded swiftly, fairly, and in the spirit of mutual respect.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the new committee will be expected to harmonize all negotiation processes under one coordinated framework that reflects institutional memory and sector-wide inclusiveness.
“Unlike previous fragmented negotiations , the expanded committee will engage all unions collectively to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable agreement. The membership of the committee has been carefully chosen to represent the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is left behind,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that the committee has been provided with a well-equipped and functional secretariat to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively, urging all academic and non-academic unions to cooperate fully and respond promptly to the committee’s engagements.
In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi,
commended the Ministers of Education for their exemplary leadership and inclusive approach in the ongoing negotiation process.
He emphasized that true and lasting peace can only be achieved when all stakeholders are involved, noting that excluding any party would only breed division and undermine collective progress.
He further urged members of the expanded committee to act as impartial reconciliators, upholding justice, fairness, and stability while mediating between employers and employees.
The Minister reminded them that their early participation will ensure effective implementation of the final agreements, fostering transparency and mutual understanding.
He thus called for dedication to the process and continuous engagement with all parties, acknowledging both the limitations of government and the legitimate concerns of workers.
The Minister also reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to fair and lasting resolutions, stressing that dialogue, consultation, and open communication remain vital to preventing future industrial actions and ensuring sustained peace and progress in the education sector.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the committee, Yayale Ahmed, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in them to steer such a crucial national assignment, assuring that the committee will approach its task with openness, inclusiveness and integrity, listening to all stakeholders, fostering trust, and working toward agreements that promote industrial harmony and strengthen the nation’s tertiary institutions.
He pledged that the committee will not only negotiate, but also ensure that the recommendations and agreements reached are practical, realistic, and capable of sustaining long-term peace and productivity within the education sector.
He reiterates Federal Government unwavering commitment to restoring stability and trust across the tertiary education landscape through inclusive dialogue, fair negotiation, and decisive leadership.
