ASUU Strike Update: Report has it that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the federal government will be meeting on Monday, January 21, to resume talks on how to resolve the over the two-month-old industrial action. This was disclosed by the national president of the union, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi to newsmen
According to him, “I’ am afraid nothing new. I understand they will be meeting us on Monday. Let’s wait and see if they take a reasonable step; it will determine our next line of action. Until then, let’s wait and see.”
However, a source in the ministry of Labour and productivity, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that ASUU should be blamed for the delay in reopening the universities.
The source added that the FG had showed commitment to the ASUU’s demands and that it was better to start from what the FG had offered than to halt negotiation.
According to the source, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, had told the leadership of ASUU that the FG would accept many of their demands but flexibility is needed to implement the rest. They left the meeting happy and said they would discuss the progress with their other organs. But they had delayed in moving forward. The blame is no longer on the FG. ASUU should come forward with what they think of the FG’s commitment so far.
The union, had earlier asked the government to provide concrete evidence of the payment of at least N50billion revitalisation fund to end the strike.
Though, other demands of the union, are still pending, the union said the proof of the payment could set the tone for the suspension of the strike.
