The Federal Government has urged Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU and Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated institutions, NASU to shelve strikes, assuring the President’s commitment to resolving these long-standing issues comprehensively and affordably.
ASUU had said there was no going back on the planned two-week nationwide warning strike if the Federal Government failed to respond to their demands on or before October 13 this year.
Similarly, SSANU and NASU had declared a one-day protest for Thursday over the Federal Government’s failure to meet their demands.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa in a press briefing in Abuja, explained that the government has constituted unified negotiation committee to address the needs of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, which will work expeditiously to reach agreements.
According to him, the committee has reviewed requests from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, with 80% of requests being similar and 20% based on specific needs.
He stated that the committee was inaugurated on Monday and had its inaugural meeting, promising to work expeditiously to reach agreements.
He urged the unions not to resort to strikes, emphasizing the President’s commitment to resolving these long-standing issues comprehensively and affordably.
“That committee will negotiate with academic and non academic unions so that they can have a full quest of what their needs are. And I can tell you today, I’ve seen all the requests from all these unions at the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education 80% of those requests are about the same the 20% of the request are based on the peculiar needs of the universities for the Technical College of Education, College of Education, we understand that so nearly one committee, they’ve started working actually, we inaugurated them on Monday.
“So please bear with us and the patient we need to keep our children in school. This is the commitment that the President brings to Nigeria, and is mandated us to ensure that that promise is met, and that’s why we do everything to work with the union. Please. There’s no need for strike. We’re talking to you. You have people this technical working Google is at the highest level of government,” he stated.
He highlighted the President’s commitment to education and the political will to resolve the issues once and for all.
He said that the government has addressed several issues, including the release of 50 billion naira for early academic allowances and a 150 billion naira allocation for needs assessment in 2025.
He added that the President has also resolved issues related to promotion areas, budget issues, and wage award.
He emphasized that the future plans include resolving issues related to teaching allowances and other allowances, with a commitment to improve the welfare of lecturers and other staff.
The Minister stated that the President’s administration has shown its commitment over the past 24 months, and the government is working to keep children in school.
He mentioned the involvement of the Ministry of Justice in negotiations is a first, indicating a comprehensive and holistic approach to resolving the issues.
Dr Alausa reassured the unions that the government is working tirelessly to address their concerns and prevent the need for a strike.
