FG Constitutes Expanded Committee to Negotiate with ASUU, NASU Over Ongoing Strike

The Federal Government has inaugurated an Expanded Negotiation Committee for Tertiary Institutions, chaired by Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, to facilitate unified and inclusive discussions with academic and non-academic unions across Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa said the new committee was designed to harmonize all negotiation efforts under a coordinated framework, ending the long-standing practice of fragmented and isolated negotiations with individual unions.

“Unlike in the past, this expanded committee will engage all stakeholders collectively to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable agreement,” Alausa stated.

“The membership has been carefully selected to reflect the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring no group is left behind.”

He added that the committee has been provided with a fully equipped secretariat to support its operations and announced that its inaugural meeting will hold at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7.

The Education Minister urged all unions to cooperate fully and respond promptly to the committee’s engagements, stressing that President Bola Tinubu has given full political support to the process.

“President Tinubu’s message is clear — all our children must remain in school. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda in action,” Alausa emphasized.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, commended the Ministry of Education for adopting an inclusive and dialogue-driven approach.

Dingyadi highlighted that sustainable peace in the education sector depends on active involvement from all stakeholders. He urged committee members to act as impartial mediators, committed to justice, fairness, and the swift resolution of disputes.

“Your early and active engagement is key to ensuring that the final agreements are implemented smoothly,” he said.

The establishment of this committee marks a significant step toward addressing recurring disruptions in Nigeria’s tertiary education system due to prolonged industrial actions.