The Federal Government has reconstituted and inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee to accelerate ongoing discussions with academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the new committee is designed to harmonize all negotiation processes under a unified and inclusive framework that preserves institutional memory. This was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, on Tuesday.

According to Alausa, unlike previous fragmented negotiations, the expanded committee will engage all unions collectively to reach a holistic and sustainable agreement. “The membership of the committee has been carefully selected to reflect the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is excluded,” he said.

He further disclosed that the committee has been provided with a functional secretariat to support its work effectively, adding that its inaugural meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7. The Minister also appealed to all academic and non-academic unions to cooperate fully and respond promptly to the committee’s engagements.

Alausa noted that President Bola Tinubu has given full political backing to the process, directing that all negotiations be concluded swiftly, fairly, and with mutual respect. “President Tinubu’s instruction is clear — all our children must remain in school. This is renewed hope in action,” he emphasized, while appreciating the unions for their patience and commitment as the government works toward a comprehensive agreement.

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in a bulletin issued to its members on Monday, urged them to prepare for a two-week warning strike scheduled to commence on October 13.

The planned strike follows a two-week ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government to address lingering issues, including the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.

In a fresh memo to branches, ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, expressed concern over the government’s failure to respond meaningfully to the union’s demands despite the ultimatum.