Government Forms New Committee to Address University Unions’ Demands as Strike Deadline Looms
The Nigerian Federal Government has established a new negotiating body to address mounting tensions with university unions, as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) approaches its strike ultimatum deadline in six days.
The Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee, chaired by Yayale Ahmed, pro-chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, will commence operations with its first meeting on Tuesday, October 7.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced that President Bola Tinubu has given full political backing to expedite negotiations with academic and non-academic unions. “President Tinubu’s mandate is that all our children must be in school. This is renewed hope in action,” Alausa stated through ministry spokesperson Folasade Boriowo.
The initiative comes at a critical time as ASUU warns of potential industrial action. The union issued a two-week ultimatum last week, citing lack of progress in addressing their demands. The education ministry aims to conclude renegotiations with unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education under a unified framework.
During a meeting with Labour Minister Mohammed Dingyadi and Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Ahmed, Minister Alausa emphasized that the committee’s membership represents the entire education sector. The committee has been equipped with a functional secretariat to facilitate its operations.
Committee Chairman Yayale Ahmed pledged to pursue negotiations with transparency and inclusiveness, focusing on achieving practical and sustainable agreements for long-term peace in the education sector.
Historical Context
The formation of this committee marks the sixth attempt to renegotiate the 2009 agreements with university-based unions. Previous committees, led by various chairpersons including:
– Wale Babalakin (2017-2020)
– Munzali Jibrin (2021)
– Nimi Briggs (2022)
– Yayale Ahmed (October 2024)
– Abel Enitan (August 2025)
None of these previous committees’ recommendations were fully implemented, leading to continued tensions. The 2009 agreement, which covers academics’ service conditions, university funding, and autonomy, has been a persistent source of conflict between the government and university unions.
As the latest committee begins its work, the education sector watches closely to see if this attempt will finally resolve the long-standing issues that have plagued Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
