Strike threat: FG panel to review ASUU’s demands

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has set up a sub-committee to review the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

This is as both parties agreed to reconvene by September 6, 2024.

These decisions were taken at the end of a closed-door meeting, held at the Ministry of Education in Abuja on Wednesday.

The meeting, which lasted for two and a half hours, had in attendance the leadership of ASUU, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, and other officials of the ministry.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, Mamman said a sub-committee had been set up to review the demands of the union, and ensure that all grey areas were ironed out and resolved.

On his part, the ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed the hope that all issues would be resolved before the September 6 meeting.

“We have met to discuss all the issues and review them. We have given the government between now and the next meeting to see what they have to do. We believe in the interest of the Nigerian child and we will be protecting their interest if the issues are resolved amicably,” Osodeke said.

ASUU is seeking a comprehensive overhaul of the university system, including improved infrastructure, enhanced academic freedom, and a more sustainable funding model.

Other demands of the union, include the release of revitalisation funds for universities, renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, and release of earned allowances for university lecturers.