The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to quickly return to negotiations and find a lasting solution to the current impasse that led to the union’s two-week warning strike.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Oluwaseun Whinghan, member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Lagos State, during plenary on Tuesday. The lawmakers expressed concern that the industrial action, if not swiftly resolved, could escalate into a prolonged strike, disrupting the academic calendar and affecting millions of students.

ASUU had on Monday commenced the two-week warning strike, citing the Federal Government’s failure to fulfil key agreements, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation funds, earned allowances, and issues surrounding salary structure and university autonomy. Before the strike began, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, had assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was close to resolving the long-standing issues with the union.

Whinghan, while presenting the motion, expressed worry that previous “warning strikes” by ASUU often extended into long-term shutdowns, which had serious impacts on students, researchers, and parents. He noted that repeated disruptions in academic activities undermine Nigeria’s efforts to build a globally competitive education system and hinder national growth.

The lawmaker stressed that education, as enshrined in Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), remains a vital tool for social, technological, and economic advancement. He, therefore, called on both parties—the Federal Government and ASUU—to act responsibly by resuming dialogue in the interest of students and the nation’s educational stability.