The Federal Government has reconstituted and inaugurated the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Expanded Negotiation Committee to accelerate ongoing discussions with academic and non-academic unions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the discussions involve staff unions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the new committee was designed to harmonise all negotiation processes under one coordinated framework that reflects institutional memory and sector-wide inclusiveness.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade on Tuesday in Abuja.
Alausa explained that, unlike previous fragmented negotiations, the expanded committee will engage all unions collectively to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable agreement.
“The membership of the committee has been carefully chosen to represent the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is left behind.”
The Minister disclosed that the committee has been provided with a well-equipped and functional secretariat to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.
He urged all academic and non-academic unions to cooperate fully and respond promptly to the committee’s engagements.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu has given full political backing to the process, with a clear directive that all negotiations be concluded swiftly, fairly, and in the spirit of mutual respect.
“President Tinubu’s mandate is that all our children must be in school. This is renewed hope in action.
“I appreciate all unions for their patience and commitment as the government works toward a final and comprehensive agreement,” Alausa said.
The statement also hinted that Alausa was joined by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Mohammed Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed.
Dingyadi commended Alausa and Ahmed for their exemplary leadership and inclusive approach in the ongoing negotiation process.
He emphasised that true and lasting peace could only be achieved when all stakeholders are involved, noting that excluding any party would only breed division and undermine collective progress.
He further urged members of the expanded committee to act as impartial reconciliators, upholding justice, fairness, and stability while mediating between employers and employees.
The statement also added that the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, expressed gratitude to the federal government for the confidence reposed in him and his members to steer such a crucial national assignment.
He pledged that the committee would not only negotiate but also ensure that the recommendations and agreements reached are practical, realistic, and capable of sustaining long-term peace and productivity within the education sector.
NAN