The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities are scheduled to meet again on September 6, 2024, to continue discussions aimed at resolving the union’s grievances.
According to The PUNCH, this follows a meeting held on Wednesday at the Federal Ministry of Education, where the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the upcoming session.
The scheduled meeting comes in response to ASUU’s threat of a nationwide strike over the government’s failure to honour the 2009 renegotiated agreement.
ASUU’s national executive council, during its recent meeting at the University of Ibadan on August 19, 2024, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of issues such as staff welfare, university funding, and the unchecked proliferation of universities across the country.
Addressing the concerns raised by ASUU, Prof. Mamman acknowledged that many of the union’s demands have a long history, dating back to 1981.
He noted that these issues have persisted through various administrations but assured that efforts are underway to address them. “Most of the issues raised by ASUU are being attended to,” Prof. Mamman stated.
“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.”
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the recurring disputes between ASUU and the government, highlighting that the President had promised during his campaign to address these long-standing issues once and for all.
“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,” he said.
Prof. Mamman also urged ASUU to adopt a constructive and open-minded stance during the negotiations to ensure that the interests of all parties are fairly represented. “We appeal to ASUU to be considerate and open-minded in their
