Senate Intervenes In The Ongoing Crisis Between ASUU and Federal Government

Senate Intervenes In The Ongoing Crisis Between ASUU and Federal Government

The Senate of Nigeria has intervened in the ongoing crisis between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, following the union’s declaration of a two-week warning strike.

Senate Promises Swift Action on ASUU-FG Crisis

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, announced the intervention on Friday after a closed-door meeting with ASUU representatives at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Dandutse acknowledged the frustrations that led to the strike, assuring that the Senate would take ASUU’s grievances seriously and work toward a lasting solution.

“We recognise the critical role of our universities in shaping the nation’s future. The committee is fully committed to ensuring that universities receive the support they need to thrive,” he said.

The senator emphasized that the Senate does not support any strike action or executive threats but aims to promote accountability and effective performance within the education sector.

“The ASUU strike has been a recurring issue in Nigeria. We must address it holistically to find a permanent solution. Our goal is to ensure efficiency and stability in our university system,” Dandutse added.

Senate to Engage Ministry of Education and NUC for Negotiation

Following the meeting, Dandutse revealed that the committee had resolved to communicate its recommendations to the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to initiate urgent negotiations with ASUU.

He further stated that the Senate would also engage the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to resolve the University of Abuja land dispute, which has become another major point of contention.

“We have agreed to interface with the FCT Minister to settle the issue of the University of Abuja’s land and also look into other pressing needs of universities for an amicable resolution,” Dandutse said.

ASUU Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable University Funding

During the meeting, ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, confirmed that the union had officially begun its two-week warning strike.

He explained that the union’s main demands center on sustainable funding for tertiary institutions, improved conditions of service, university autonomy, and academic freedom.

“The challenges we face today did not start with this administration. Our key concern remains sustainable funding and governance in Nigerian universities,” Piwuna noted.

He also called on the Senate to protect the University of Abuja’s 10,000-hectare land, which the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, allegedly sought to reclaim.

“Despite several warnings and public statements, the minister remains determined to take over part of the university’s land. We appeal to the Senate to intervene immediately,” he said.

Senate Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to End Strike

Speaking to journalists after the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau reiterated the Senate’s determination to end the crisis and prevent further disruption of academic activities.

“Education is the foundation of every society. We cannot allow our students in public universities to remain at home. The Senate will do everything possible to resolve this matter,” Barau stated.

He added that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to addressing the issues affecting Nigeria’s education system, assuring that efforts are underway to restore stability in the university sector.

“The President is working round the clock to ensure this crisis is resolved quickly,” he added.

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