Nigerian govt, ASUU move to avert strike in varsities

The Federal Government has established committees to address the contentious issues raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The move followed the recent ultimatum given by the union for the federal government to address its demands.

ASUU’s leadership and representatives of the Federal Government led by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, had during a closed-door meeting last month agreed to set up the committees to look at the agreements reached by both parties.Read more

The committees are expected to convene on Wednesday.

The ASUU Vice President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.

He said: “The meeting is over; committees were set up to resolve the IPPIS/EAA and salary areas stuff. The committee is to meet on September 11 next week.”

READ ALSO:Nigerian govt, ASUU commence talks to avert strike in universities

The move aims to address ASUU’s demands, which include improved welfare and university funding, as well as a halt to the proliferation of universities nationwide.

These demands were reiterated at the union’s national executive council meeting held at the University of Ibadan on August 19, where university lecturers threatened a nationwide strike over the federal government’s failure to honour the 2009 renegotiated agreement.

In response to ASUU’s ultimatum, Mamman acknowledged that most of the contentious issues date back to 1981.

He, however, assured that the government is addressing the concerns, citing the President’s commitment to finding a permanent solution.

He said: “Most of the demands of ASUU started in 1981. And virtually every government has had its fair share of ASUU strikes. But the President made a commitment during the campaign that a permanent solution would be provided this time, and he has shown that in his steps and actions.”

Hw appealed to ASUU to approach the negotiation table with an open mind and ensured that all parties’ interests are represented on the matter.

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