FG Inaugurates Yayale Ahmed Committee to Avert Looming ASUU Strike
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 in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The move, seen as a response to avert an impending strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), follows the union’s two-week strike notice issued last week. Already, ASUU has begun mobilising members nationwide in preparation for a possible indefinite strike after the warning strike set to begin when the ultimatum expires.
Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, said the new body was established to harmonise all negotiation processes under a single framework that ensures inclusiveness and coordination. According to a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, Alausa was joined by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed. Alausa noted that unlike past fragmented negotiations, the expanded committee would engage all unions collectively to produce a sustainable agreement. He added that a functional secretariat has been provided to support its operations, with the inaugural meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 7.
Dr. Alausa further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given full political backing to the process, directing that all negotiations be concluded swiftly, fairly, and 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,” he said, urging the unions to cooperate with the committee. The Minister of Labour and Employment commended the Education Ministry for its inclusive approach and called on committee members to act as impartial mediators committed to fairness, transparency, and stability in the education sector.
Chairman of the committee and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in him and pledged that the committee would work with openness and integrity. He assured that all stakeholders would be consulted and that outcomes of the negotiations would be practical and sustainable. The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and stability in tertiary institutions through dialogue and collaboration, emphasizing that the move aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to keep students in school and strengthen the education sector.