By Abiola Olawale
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the inauguration of an expanded negotiation committee codenamed the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee.
The development comes amid escalating tensions with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), whose two-week ultimatum to the government expires on Tuesday.
The inauguration was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
According to the statement, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa inaugurated the committee to fast-track stalled talks on the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
The statement added that the expanded 53-member panel—chaired by former Head of Civil Service Mahmud Yayale Ahmed—builds on previous renegotiation efforts, incorporating representatives from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The statement reads in part: “Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the new committee was established to harmonize all negotiation processes under a unified and coordinated framework that ensures institutional continuity and sector-wide inclusiveness.
“The membership has been carefully selected to reflect the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is left behind.”
In the statement, Alausa disclosed that the committee has been provided with a fully equipped secretariat to aid its work and announced that its inaugural meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7.
He urged all academic and non-academic unions to cooperate fully and respond promptly to the committee’s engagements.
“President Tinubu’s message is clear — all our children must remain in school. This is the Renewed Hope Agenda in action,” Alausa was quoted as saying.
On his part, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, commended the Ministry of Education for its inclusive approach and dedication to dialogue.
He emphasised that lasting peace in the education sector can only be achieved when all stakeholders are involved in the process.
Dingyadi charged members of the expanded committee to serve as impartial mediators guided by justice and fairness, adding that their early and active engagement will ensure the smooth implementation of final agreements.
