Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s House of Representatives has stepped in to mediate the deepening standoff between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), following the union’s decision to begin a two-week warning strike on Monday.
The intervention followed a motion raised on Tuesday by Sesi Whingan, representing Badagry Constituency in Lagos State, urging the legislature to act swiftly to prevent a prolonged academic shutdown.
University lecturers across the country have suspended teaching and examinations, accusing the government of neglecting key agreements reached in 2009, failing to pay outstanding salaries, and underfunding tertiary education.
ASUU President Dr Chris Piwuna faulted the government for ignoring recommendations from a renegotiation panel chaired by Yayale Ahmed in 2024.
“The Ministry of Education has done nothing beyond receiving the report,” Piwuna said. “No concrete step has been taken toward implementation.”
In response, education officials have instructed university administrators to apply labour laws withholding pay from striking lecturers, and to document staff participation.
This marks ASUU’s first nationwide strike in three years, sparking concern over fresh disruptions to academic calendars and graduation timelines.
During Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers pledged to engage both the Education Ministry and ASUU in a “comprehensive dialogue” aimed at achieving lasting peace in the sector.
As campuses remain deserted, attention turns to whether parliamentary mediation can avert another prolonged crisis in Nigeria’s public universities.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness