The Senate has stepped in to mediate the ongoing conflict between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, which has resulted in a two-week warning strike.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, revealed this after a meeting with ASUU representatives at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Dandutse acknowledged the union’s grievances and frustrations that led to the industrial action, assuring that the committee would address all raised concerns with due seriousness.

“We understand the vital role our universities play in shaping the nation’s future, and we are committed to ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive.
We do not support any form of strike or executive threats. Our duty as lawmakers is to provide oversight and ensure efficiency and accountability,” he said.

The senator emphasized that the issue of ASUU strikes had been recurring for too long and called for a comprehensive approach to resolve it once and for all.

Following a closed-door session, Dandutse stated that the committee had agreed to communicate its resolutions to the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission for immediate negotiation toward a lasting solution.

He also disclosed that the committee would engage the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) regarding the University of Abuja’s disputed land, which had allegedly been taken from the institution.

“Other concerns raised will also be reviewed, and appropriate steps will be taken to achieve an amicable resolution,” Dandutse added.

ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, confirmed that the union had embarked on a two-week warning strike, explaining that the dispute stemmed from long-standing issues.

According to him, the main contention in the draft agreement is the need for sustainable funding of tertiary institutions, along with matters relating to conditions of service, institutional autonomy, and academic freedom.

Piwuna also appealed to the Senate to intervene in the University of Abuja land dispute, alleging that the FCT Minister had revoked the institution’s land despite repeated objections from the union.

“This issue must be addressed. Despite several communications and appeals from our branch at the University of Abuja, the minister seems determined to proceed with taking over the land,” he said.

He further urged lawmakers to prioritize budgetary allocation to education to enhance the state of public universities across the country.

In a separate interview, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau reiterated the Senate’s commitment to resolving the crisis swiftly.

“Education is the bedrock of any society, and we cannot afford to let our children in public universities remain at home,” he said, assuring that President Bola Tinubu is working tirelessly to address the challenges facing the education sector.