The Federal Government has reconstituted the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee to expedite ongoing discussions with unions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this on Tuesday, saying the committee’s formation is part of efforts to harmonize negotiations with all academic and non-academic unions under a single, coordinated framework.

According to a statement by Folasade Boriowo, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Education, Alausa explained that the new committee was designed to end fragmented negotiation processes that had previously slowed down agreements with the unions.

“The membership of this committee has been carefully selected to reflect the full spectrum of the education sector,” the minister said. “Our goal is to ensure inclusiveness, institutional memory, and a sustainable resolution to all lingering issues.”

He added that the committee now has a fully equipped secretariat to enable effective operations and that its inaugural meeting was scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Alausa further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has given “full political backing” to the process and directed 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. “We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all unions as we work toward a comprehensive agreement that will bring lasting peace to the tertiary education sector.”

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, has mobilised its members for a two-week warning strike slated to begin on October 13, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address long-standing demands.

In a bulletin to its members, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, expressed frustration over the government’s “inaction and lack of commitment” despite earlier ultimatums.

“The government has failed to provide any meaningful response to our demands, including the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement,” Piwuna said.

The newly reconstituted committee is expected to engage all tertiary unions collectively in hopes of reaching a lasting and inclusive settlement to end recurring disruptions in the education sector.