The Federal Government has inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee in a move to prevent the impending strike threatened by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The committee was inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, to fast-track discussions with academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
According to a statement on Tuesday signed by Mrs Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Dr Alausa was joined at the inauguration by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed.
Dr Alausa explained that the reconstituted committee would harmonise all negotiation processes under a single, coordinated framework that ensures inclusiveness across all educational institutions. He stated that unlike previous fragmented negotiations, the expanded committee would engage all unions collectively to achieve a comprehensive and lasting agreement.
He noted that the committee has been provided with a functional secretariat to support its activities and announced that its inaugural meeting would hold at 2 p.m. on today, October 7.
The Minister emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given full political support to the committee’s work with a clear directive that all negotiations must be concluded swiftly and fairly.
“President Tinubu’s mandate is that all our children must remain in school. This is renewed hope in action,” Alausa said, expressing appreciation to unions for their patience and cooperation.
In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, commended the inclusive approach of the Ministry of Education, stressing that sustainable peace in the education sector can only be achieved through collective dialogue.
He urged members of the committee to serve as impartial mediators guided by fairness, justice, and a commitment to lasting industrial harmony.
Chairman of the committee and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, thanked the Federal Government for entrusting the committee with such a crucial assignment.
He assured that the committee would operate with transparency and integrity, engaging all relevant stakeholders to foster trust and achieve realistic, long-term resolutions.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to stabilising the education sector through fair negotiations, inclusive dialogue, and decisive leadership, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Ministry reiterated that its goal remains ensuring that every student stays in school, every teacher is valued, and every institution thrives in peace and productivity.