The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has appealed to former Sokoto State governor, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, to intervene in its ongoing dispute with the Federal Government.

This was disclosed in a Facebook post by the Senator’s media team, saying the delegation to Wamakko at his Asokoro residence, Abuja, was led by the union’s National Vice President, Professor Chris Piwuna.

At the meeting, Piwuna urged the former governor to use his experience, credibility, and influence to help restore constructive dialogue between the union and the government.

He emphasised that its appeal was not politically motivated but borne out of the desire to find a lasting solution to the issues that have repeatedly disrupted academic activities across the country.

Piwuna, however, noted that the continuous breakdown in communication between the two parties has deeply affected the nation’s education sector, with students and parents bearing the greatest burden.

“We are confident that Senator Wamakko’s intervention can bridge the existing gap between the Federal Government and ASUU. Our goal is to ensure stability in the university system and to prevent future disruptions that have so far hindered academic progress.”

He outlined key expectations for the senator’s involvement, including facilitating discussions between ASUU leadership and the Federal Government, urging both parties to recommit to implementing past agreements, and developing a structured framework for continuous engagement to avert future crises.

The union leader also urged the lawmaker to work with relevant Senate committees and the Ministry of Education to ensure accountability in policy execution and funding commitments.

Responding to the appeal, Senator Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, assured the delegation of his commitment to restoring normalcy in the education sector.

He described the persistent disputes as detrimental to national development and promised to deploy his legislative experience and political goodwill toward achieving a sustainable resolution.

“I will do everything within my capacity to see that peace returns between ASUU and the Federal Government.
“Our children deserve uninterrupted learning, and the country must not continue to suffer the consequences of avoidable crises in our universities.” Wamakko was quoted during the meeting.

The Guardian reported that ASUU recently embarked on its 18th strike in 26 years, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address long-standing issues affecting public universities across the country.

Announcing the commencement of a two-week “total strike” at a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, ordered its members to withdraw their services across the country, effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2025.

He said the industrial action became inevitable after several unfulfilled promises, stressing that the Nigerian Government had paid lip service to its seven-point demands.

The development comes after the two-week ultimatum the Union issued to the Federal Government to address their long-standing demands expired.