The Federal Government has inaugurated an expanded negotiation committee chaired by Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed to accelerate discussions with academic and non-academic unions across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The committee, officially named the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee, was reconstituted to harmonise all ongoing negotiation processes under a single coordinated framework aimed at achieving lasting industrial peace in the tertiary education sector.
Speaking during the inauguration on Monday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the move was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to conclude all pending negotiations swiftly and fairly. He was joined by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed.
Dr. Alausa explained that unlike previous fragmented negotiation efforts, the newly expanded committee will engage all unions collectively to ensure inclusivity and coherence. “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,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the committee had been provided with a functional secretariat to aid its work and announced that its inaugural meeting would hold on Tuesday, 7th October, at 2 p.m. He urged all academic and non-academic unions to cooperate with the committee for timely progress.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, Alausa stated, “President Tinubu’s mandate is that all our children must be in school. This is renewed hope in action.” He also expressed appreciation to unions for their patience and commitment during the negotiation process.
In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, commended the Education Ministry for its inclusive approach and emphasised the importance of dialogue in achieving lasting peace. “True and lasting peace can only be achieved when all stakeholders are involved,” he said, warning that exclusion of any group could breed division and undermine collective progress.
Dingyadi urged members of the expanded committee to act as impartial mediators guided by fairness, justice, and a commitment to stability. He also reminded them of their crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of final agreements once concluded.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed thanked the Federal Government for the trust reposed in them, pledging transparency, openness, and inclusiveness in carrying out the assignment. “We will listen to all stakeholders, foster trust, and work toward practical and sustainable agreements that promote industrial harmony,” he assured.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, reiterated its commitment to restoring stability and trust across the tertiary education system, assuring that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu—where every student remains in school, every teacher is valued, and every institution thrives in peace and productivity.
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