Abuja: The Senate, on Friday, waded into the ongoing crisis between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government which had resulted in a two-week warning strike. Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Sen. Muntari Dandutse, made this known after a meeting with the union at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, after a closed-door session, Dandutse said that the committee resolved to convey its position to the Ministry of Education and National Universities Commission (NUC) for a negotiation as soon as possible to resolve the lingering problem. Dandutse emphasized the importance of addressing the issues raised by ASUU and acknowledged the role of universities in shaping the nation’s future.

Dandutse assured that the senate committee would interface with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to resolve the issue of the University of Abuja’s land, which was allegedly taken from them. He also stated that the committee would study other needs and take appropriate steps for an amicable resolution.

Earlier, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, stated that the union was on a two-week warning strike. He highlighted key issues such as sustainable funding for tertiary institutions, condition of service, autonomy, and academic freedom in Nigerian universities. Piwuna also called for intervention regarding the land belonging to the University of Abuja, which was allegedly revoked by the FCT minister.

In an interview with newsmen, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, affirmed the upper chamber’s commitment to resolving the crisis promptly. He emphasized the importance of education as the foundation of society and noted President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to addressing impediments to the country’s education system.