The Nigerian Senate has announced plans to intervene in the lingering dispute between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, in a bid to prevent another round of strikes that could cripple academic activities across public universities.
The move follows renewed tensions after ASUU, earlier this week, accused the government of neglecting key components of the 2009 Agreement and failing to prioritize adequate funding for tertiary institutions.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Senate Committee Chairman on Education (Tertiary Institutions and TETFund), Senator Sunday Karimi, said the Red Chamber is deeply concerned about the recurring crisis in the education sector and is ready to broker peace between the warring parties.
He stated, “The Senate will not stand by and watch our universities shut down again. We are meeting with both ASUU leadership and representatives of the Federal Government to ensure a lasting resolution to the issues.”
Senator Karimi emphasized that repeated strikes have done serious damage to the nation’s education system, noting that millions of students have been forced to extend their years of study due to prolonged academic disruptions.
“Every strike erodes the credibility of our education system and undermines the confidence of parents and students,” he added. “We must find a sustainable framework that guarantees stability in our public universities.”
Other lawmakers, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Ireti Kingibe, echoed similar sentiments, urging both parties to adopt dialogue instead of confrontation.
Kalu said, “Education is the foundation of national development. We cannot continue this cycle of strikes every year. The Senate is ready to mediate and help find common ground.”
ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, while reacting to the Senate’s intervention, welcomed the move but warned that the government must show genuine commitment to implementing previous agreements before any progress can be made.
He said, “We appreciate the Senate’s concern, but we have seen several committees and interventions in the past that yielded no results. What we want is action not promises.”
Osodeke reiterated ASUU’s demand for improved funding, full implementation of the 2009 Agreement, release of withheld salaries, and respect for university autonomy.
A top official from the Federal Ministry of Education confirmed that discussions with ASUU are ongoing and that the government is open to legislative mediation.
The source said, “We welcome the Senate’s involvement. The ministry and the Ministry of Labour are working closely with ASUU to ensure that the situation does not escalate into another strike.”
The official also disclosed that the government is reviewing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) allocation model to enhance transparency and ensure equitable distribution of resources to universities nationwide.
Students and education stakeholders have praised the Senate’s decision, describing it as timely and necessary. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) urged the legislators to ensure the talks lead to concrete results.
Comrade Usman Barambu, NANS President, said, “Nigerian students have suffered enough. We hope this intervention will be the last and that our education system will finally enjoy stability.”
Analysts, however, caution that while legislative mediation is welcome, only genuine political will and sustained investment in education can end the cycle of industrial unrest in Nigeria’s university system.
