FG Reconstitutes Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Committee to Fast-Track Talks with Tertiary Unions
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. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, on Tuesday morning, noting that the new committee aims to harmonise all negotiation processes under a unified and inclusive framework.
Dr. Alausa explained that, unlike previous fragmented negotiations, the expanded committee will engage all unions collectively to reach a comprehensive and lasting agreement that addresses concerns across the tertiary education system. “The membership of the committee has been carefully chosen to reflect the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is left behind,” he said. The Minister added that a functional secretariat has been established to support the committee’s work, with its inaugural meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7.
According to the Minister, President Bola Tinubu has given full political backing to the negotiation process, directing that discussions be concluded swiftly and fairly in the spirit of mutual respect. “President Tinubu’s mandate is that all our children must be in school. This is renewed hope in action,” Alausa stated, urging academic and non-academic unions to cooperate fully with the committee to resolve lingering disputes and restore stability to the education sector.
Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a fresh notice to members to prepare for a two-week warning strike beginning October 13. The union’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, in a memo to branch chairpersons, lamented the Federal Government’s failure to implement the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement or respond meaningfully to its recent ultimatum. The renewed strike threat underscores the urgency facing the new negotiation committee as it seeks to prevent another nationwide disruption in academic activities.