By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has set up an adhoc committee to intervene in the feud between the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU and Federal Government.
The House also called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent joint consultative platform with recognised university unions to ensure continuous engagement and prevent future industrial actions. 
The lawmaker also urged both parties to exercise restraint, embrace dialogue, and place the interests of students and the nation above all other considerations.
This was sequel to a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Rep. Sesi Whingan during plenary on Tuesday, as lawmaker called for immediate legislative intervention to prevent the situation from escalating into another prolonged academic shutdown.
Debating the motion, Rep. Whingan raised concern over the ongoing two-week warning strike declared by ASUU, as he said it as a potential threat to Nigeria’s higher education stability and national development.
Whingan noted that the strike stemmed from unresolved issues between ASUU and the Federal Government regarding the implementation of prior agreements, including revitalization funding for universities, earned academic allowances, salary structure, and institutional autonomy.
He expressed concern that though the current action is described as a “warning strike,” similar industrial actions in the past have often degenerated into full-blown crises that disrupt academic calendars, frustrate students, and stall research and innovation.
“The Nigerian university system remains central to our national development, innovation, and human-capital growth. Any disruption in its operations weakens our economic competitiveness, scientific advancement, and youth productivity”, he said.
Citing Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he emphasized that education is a constitutional responsibility and a driver of social and technological progress, adding that both government and university unions must ensure its continuity and quality.
The lawmaker lamented that repeated strikes in the tertiary sector have led to student dropouts, brain drain, and loss of public confidence, which threaten national stability and Nigeria’s long-term development goals.
The House adopted the motion and mandate its Committees on University Education and Labour, Employment and Productivity to immediately intervene between ASUU and the Federal Government to facilitate a mutually acceptable and lasting resolution.
The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also directed to monitor and report the progress of the mediation efforts to the House within one week.
