The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against joining the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in its ongoing strike.
He warned that such action could derail the laudable reforms being implemented in the education sector by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Agbese made the call while speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja following the four-week ultimatum issued by the NLC that it would join forces with ASUU if the federal government fails to resolve all issues it has with all tertiary institutions-based unions.
He appealed to the NLC, ASUU and other stakeholders in the education sector to exercise restraint and give the system some breathing space to recover from years of instability.
Agbese stated: “As stakeholders, we must see ourselves as part of the Nigerian project. Strikes have never solved our problems; they only make matters worse.
“These issues can always be brought before the National Assembly, where there are mechanisms for dialogue and intervention. We’ve done it in the past, and we can do it again. The current Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen understands the struggles of the academic community and he is always ready to intervene.”
The Deputy Spokesperson called on ASUU to evolve from what he described as “the same old formula” that continued to cripple the country’s tertiary institutions’ academic calendar.
He stressed that ASUU should rather position itself as a think tank that generates constructive ideas for policy improvement.
Agbese added: “The worst hit each time ASUU goes on strike are the poor teachers’ children and those from low-income homes who attend public schools,” he lamented.
“The Honourable Minister himself understands these challenges because he is one of them in all ramifications. That is why we must give him the support needed to complete these reforms.”
The lawmaker reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to serve as a bridge between the government and stakeholders in the education sector, ensuring that grievances are resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“Our doors are open. Let’s work together to strengthen the system instead of shutting it down.”