The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to exercise restraint over its threat to join the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in its ongoing strike, warning that such a move could further destabilize Nigeria’s education sector.
Agbese’s appeal came in reaction to a 4-week ultimatum issued by the NLC, which warned that it would mobilize in solidarity with ASUU if the Federal Government failed to resolve the union’s grievances within the stipulated period.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, had announced the ultimatum at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, stating that the labour body would not hesitate to take “necessary action” if the government failed to act.
Speaking to journalists after Tuesday’s plenary session, Agbese called on ASUU, NLC, and other stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and give the education sector the stability it urgently needs after years of disruption.
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According to the Benue-born lawmaker, “When a government begins to take genuine steps to reform a struggling sector, citizens must show patience and allow progress to take root. That is what Nigeria’s education system needs right now, space to breathe and recover.”
He commended the ongoing reforms under the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, describing them as bold and result-oriented.
Agbese noted that the current administration has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving access, transparency, and quality in tertiary education.
Among the achievements he pointed out were the expansion of annual admission capacity in universities and polytechnics from 750,000 to one million, the harmonization of tuition policies through NELFUND to promote fairness, and the launch of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) Roadmap.
Agbese also cited the success of the Student Loan Scheme managed by NELFUND, which he said is helping thousands of indigent students pursue higher education without financial strain.
He further mentioned the World Bank-backed Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, which supports female education through conditional cash transfers and digital skills training.
“These are measurable improvements that need continuity, not another shutdown,” he stated. “Strikes have never solved our education problems. They only delay the future of young Nigerians.”
The lawmaker urged ASUU to adopt a more strategic and consultative approach to resolving disputes rather than repeating what he called “a cycle of disruption that hurts students the most.”
“The worst affected during every strike are children from poor and low-income families who rely solely on public institutions,” Agbese said.
“We must think beyond grievances and start thinking of sustainable solutions.”
He assured that the National Assembly remains open to mediating between the government and academic unions, stressing that dialogue and collaboration remain the most effective tools for progress.
“Our doors are open to all stakeholders.
“The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has always shown willingness to intervene where necessary. Let’s build together instead of shutting down the system again,” Agbese added.
