The Federal Government has reconstituted and inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee to accelerate ongoing negotiations with academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The move, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, comes amid growing tension following a two-week strike notice issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) last week. ASUU’s leadership has reportedly begun mobilising members nationwide in preparation for a possible warning strike that could escalate into an indefinite industrial action.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Alausa explained that the newly expanded committee was established to harmonise all negotiation processes under a unified framework that promotes inclusiveness and consistency across the education sector.
According to a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, the inauguration was attended by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed.
Dr. Alausa emphasised that, unlike previous fragmented negotiation efforts, the reconstituted committee will engage all unions collectively to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable resolution. He noted that members were carefully selected to ensure broad representation of all stakeholders within the education system.
He further disclosed that the committee has been provided with a fully functional secretariat to support its operations, with its inaugural meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7. The Minister urged all academic and non-academic unions to cooperate with the committee and respond promptly to its engagements.
Dr. Alausa affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given full political backing to the committee, directing that all negotiations be concluded swiftly and fairly. “President Tinubu’s mandate is clear — all our children must be in school. This is renewed hope in action,” he stated, commending the unions for their patience and commitment to dialogue.
In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment praised the Education Ministry’s inclusive approach, noting that lasting peace in the education sector can only be achieved through collective participation. He urged committee members to act as impartial mediators who uphold justice, fairness, and transparency throughout the process.
He also encouraged continued dialogue with all stakeholders, acknowledging the government’s constraints while recognising workers’ legitimate concerns. Reaffirming President Tinubu’s dedication to lasting industrial harmony, he stressed that open communication and mutual respect remain key to preventing future disruptions in the education sector.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, expressed appreciation for the trust reposed in him and pledged that the committee would operate with integrity, inclusiveness, and transparency.
He assured that the team would not only negotiate but also ensure that outcomes are practical, realistic, and capable of sustaining long-term peace and productivity across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The Federal Government reiterated its firm commitment to restoring stability and trust in the education system through inclusive dialogue and decisive leadership, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda — one where every student remains in school, every educator is valued, and every institution thrives in an atmosphere of peace, progress, and shared prosperity.