The planned meeting between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities has been rescheduled from Monday to August 28.
This development was confirmed by a highly placed source within ASUU’s National Executive Council.
“Our meeting with the Federal Government will now hold on August 28,” the source revealed.
ASUU, following its National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Ibadan on August 19, 2024, had threatened to go on a nationwide strike. The threat was in response to the Federal Government’s failure to honor the 2009 renegotiated agreement, which includes demands for better welfare for university workers, improved university funding, and halting the proliferation of universities across the country.
In response to ASUU’s ultimatum, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, acknowledged that many of the issues raised by ASUU date back to 1981. He emphasized that the government is working to address the grievances.
“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 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,” Mamman stated.
The Minister also highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to finding a permanent solution to these longstanding issues, saying, “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.”
Mamman further appealed to ASUU to be considerate in their actions and to approach the negotiations with an open mind.
“We hope ASUU will be open-minded at the negotiation table so that the interests of all parties will be properly represented,” he added.
