A meeting between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities has begun in Abuja.
The meeting is coming following a recent threat by the university lecturers’ union to down tools over the alleged Federal Government’s failure to meet its demands.
Public university lecturers, following resolutions reached at the union’s national executive council meeting held at the University of Ibadan on August 19, 2024, threatened to go on a nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s failure to honour the 2009 renegotiated agreement.
ASUU’s demands include improvements in welfare, university funding, and halting the proliferation of universities across the country.
In response to ASUU’s ultimatum, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, noted that most of the issues of contention dated as far back as 1981.
He, however, said letters of invitation had been sent to the leadership of the Union and other organisations and that their grievance was being attended to.
“Most of the issues raised by ASUU are being attended to. For instance, the issue of exit from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has since been resolved by the President. Bureaucracy is the reason for the delay in the implementation of that directive.
“But by the time we meet on Monday, some of these issues will be discussed and resolved.
“Most of the demands of ASUU started in 1981. Virtually all government have had their fair share of ASUU strikes.
“But the President made a commitment during the campaign that permanent solution would be provided this time, and he has shown that in his steps and actions,” he said.
The minister further appealed to ASUU to be considerate in their actions and open-minded in their approach at the negotiation table so that the interest of all parties would be properly represented.
