The Federal Government has reconstituted and inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee to accelerate discussions with academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The development comes barely a day after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) began full mobilisation of its members for a possible nationwide warning strike as its 14-day ultimatum nears expiration. Other unions, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), have also threatened indefinite industrial action over unpaid salaries, arrears, and unresolved demands.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja TODAY, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the committee was created to harmonise all negotiation processes under a single coordinated framework that reflects institutional memory, inclusiveness, and accountability.
In a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, the minister emphasised that the government is determined to end recurring disputes through sustained dialogue and compromise.
He explained that, unlike previous fragmented talks, the reconstituted committee will engage all unions collectively to reach a comprehensive and lasting agreement. “The membership of the committee has been carefully selected to represent the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is left behind,” Alausa said.
The minister added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given full political backing to the process, directing that all negotiations be concluded swiftly, fairly, and in a spirit of mutual respect.
Responding on behalf of the committee, chairman Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed thanked the Federal Government for the confidence reposed in the team. “We will approach this task with openness, integrity, and inclusiveness. Our goal is not just to negotiate but to recommend sustainable solutions that promote lasting peace in our tertiary institutions,” he assured.
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to restoring stability and trust in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, pledging that no student should be denied learning due to industrial disputes.
