The Federal Government has reconstituted and inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee to accelerate ongoing discussions with academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
This comes a day after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) began full mobilisation of its members in preparation for a possible nationwide warning strike ahead of its 14-day ultimatum, which is set to expire this week.
Similarly, other unions, including members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over alleged unpaid salaries, arrears, and other unmet demands.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, on Tuesday morning, said the new committee was established to harmonise all negotiation processes under one coordinated framework that reflects institutional memory and sector-wide inclusiveness.
A press statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, stated the government’s determination to end recurring industrial disputes through sustained engagement and compromise.
According to the statement, the Minister was joined by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, in a meeting to address the issues.
Dr Alausa explained that, unlike previous fragmented engagements, the expanded committee will engage all unions collectively to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable agreement.
“The membership of the committee has been carefully chosen to represent the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is left behind,” he said.
He disclosed that the committee has been provided with a well-equipped and functional secretariat to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively, adding that its inaugural meeting would hold this Tuesday. The Minister urged all academic and non-academic unions to cooperate fully and respond promptly to the committee’s invitations.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu has given full political backing to the process, with a clear directive that all negotiations be concluded swiftly, fairly, and in the spirit of mutual respect.
He appreciated the patience and commitment of the unions as the government works towards a comprehensive agreement.
Responding on behalf of the committee, chairman Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in them to handle such a crucial national assignment.
“We will approach this task with openness, integrity, and inclusiveness. Our goal is not just to negotiate but to recommend realistic and sustainable solutions that will promote long-term peace in our tertiary institutions,” he assured.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, reiterated its commitment to restoring stability and trust across the tertiary education landscape.
“Through inclusive dialogue, fair negotiation, and decisive leadership, we will deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where every student stays in school, every teacher is valued, and every institution thrives in peace and progress,” the statement added.
