Senate Takes on FG-ASUU Crisis Amid Ongoing Strike

Table of Contents

• Senate Intervention in ASUU Crisis
• Statements from Senator Muntari Dandutse
• Comments from ASUU President
• Remarks from Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau

The Senate took action on Friday to address the ongoing crisis 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, made this announcement following a meeting with the union at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Dandutse recognized “the concerns and frustrations” that led to the strike and assured that the committee would handle the issues raised by ASUU with the highest level of seriousness.

“We understand the vital role that our universities play in shaping the future of our nation, and we are committed to ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive,” he stated.

“We do not support any academic strike or threats from the executives.”

“We are here as those elected to oversee your work and ensure that you operate effectively and efficiently.”

“If you examine the situation in Nigeria, it has been a long-standing issue with prolonged ASUU strikes.”

“We need to address it comprehensively, and it will benefit us in the long run. So, we want you to know that we are all here to be accountable,” the senator added.

According to DAILY POST, after a closed-door session, Dandutse stated that the committee decided to communicate its position to the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission.

“This is to initiate negotiations as soon as possible to resolve this ongoing issue.”

“The Senate Committee also agreed to meet with the Minister of FCT to address the issue regarding the land belonging to the University of Abuja that was taken from them.”

“Additionally, other needs will be evaluated, and appropriate measures will be taken to ensure an amicable resolution,” he said.

Earlier, ASUU President, Professor Christopher Piwuna, confirmed that the union had begun a two-week warning strike.

“Regrettably, the path that led us to this point did not start with this executive,” he remarked.

Piwuna emphasized that the primary issue in the draft agreement remains sustainable funding for tertiary institutions.

“Other concerns include conditions of service, autonomy, and academic freedom in Nigerian universities, along with other governance issues,” he added.

He also urged the Senate to intervene in the dispute over land belonging to the University of Abuja, which the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) allegedly revoked.

“We need to address this issue. Despite numerous calls and releases from our union, our branch at the University of Abuja, the minister is still determined to proceed with taking the university's land,” he stated.

The ASUU president further urged the Senate to prioritize budget allocations for the education sector to enhance the conditions of Nigerian universities.

In an interview with reporters, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau reiterated the Senate’s commitment to promptly resolving the crisis.

“Education, as I have always said, is the foundation of every society. We cannot afford to let our children, who predominantly attend public universities, remain at home,” he declared.

Barau added that President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to addressing all challenges facing the education system.

“I am confident that the president is working diligently to ensure this matter is resolved,” he concluded.