Lawmakers at the Senate
In a move aimed at averting a prolonged shutdown of academic activities, the Nigerian Senate has intervened in the ongoing standoff between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government. The face-off, which recently triggered a two-week warning strike by the union, has once again thrown the spotlight on the recurring crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, disclosed the Senate’s intervention following a closed-door meeting with ASUU representatives at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
“We are not in support of any academic strike; we are not in support of any threat by the executives,” Dandutse stated. “We are here as those elected to provide oversight and ensure that you work effectively and efficiently.”
Dandutse acknowledged the union’s concerns, promising that the Senate would treat the issues raised with urgency and seriousness.
“This is because we recognise the critical role that our universities play in shaping the future of our nation, and we are committed to ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive,” he said.
The senator also lamented the long-standing nature of the ASUU-FG disputes, saying, “If you look at the situation in Nigeria, it has been a long issue and a prolonged issue of ASUU strike. We need to address it holistically.”
Following the meeting, the Senate Committee resolved to formally communicate with the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC), urging immediate negotiations with ASUU to prevent further disruption.
Additionally, Dandutse confirmed that the committee would engage with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the controversial revocation of land belonging to the University of Abuja.
“We will study other pressing needs and take appropriate steps to ensure an amicable resolution,” he added.
Earlier, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, stressed that the ongoing strike was not instigated by the current administration but was rooted in unresolved issues from previous governments.
“The journey that led us to where we are today did not start with this executive,” he said.
He outlined the union’s demands, including sustainable funding for public universities, improved conditions of service, institutional autonomy, and protection of academic freedom. Piwuna also urged the Senate to look into the alleged land revocation by the FCT Minister, warning that such moves could further destabilize the education sector.
“Despite several appeals by our union and the University of Abuja branch, the minister appears determined to seize the university’s land,” he warned.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, reiterated the Senate’s commitment to a swift resolution.
“Education, as I always say, is the bedrock of every society. And we cannot afford to leave our children, who are mostly in public universities, to stay at home,” he said.
Barau also expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s willingness to resolve the crisis.
“The president, I’m sure, is working round the clock to make sure that this matter is resolved,” he noted.
As negotiations inch forward, students, parents, and stakeholders across the country remain on edge — hoping this latest Senate intervention will break the cycle of strikes that have long plagued Nigeria’s higher institutions.
NAN
