The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the 16-year dispute with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and ensuring Nigeria’s universities remain open.
In a statement posted on its official Twitter handle, the Federal Ministry of Education said: “The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to resolving the longstanding issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in a sustainable, realistic, and constitutionally backed manner.”
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (CON), explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given clear directives to end the recurring crisis. “Mr. President has mandated myself and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, to work with all stakeholders to resolve this issue once and for all. Nigerians can be assured that this process is being handled with the highest level of diligence, accountability, and honesty of purpose,” the Ministry quoted him as saying.
On concerns over fresh protests by ASUU, the Ministry assured the public there would be no strike. “The Minister assured Nigerians that recent ASUU protests would not escalate into strike action, as government has been engaging the union continuously and constructively. Progress has already been made on key demands, including the payment and mainstreaming of earned academic allowances, while clarifying that the outstanding 35 percent wage arrears will be paid when the Federal Government begins payment to other public servants.”
The Ministry also disclosed details of a high-level meeting held in Abuja. “The meeting held in the Ministry today was attended by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Labour and Justice, as well as the Executive Secretary of the NUC, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, the Budget Office, and the Chairman of the Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The meeting reviewed ASUU’s proposals line by line.”
According to the statement, a technical committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Enitan, has been inaugurated. “The committee is to produce a clean counter-draft that will be presented to the Yayale Ahmed-led Committee for further negotiations with ASUU. Unlike in the past, the Ministry of Justice will be fully involved in the process to ensure that the final agreement aligns with constitutional provisions,”the Ministry said.
Dr. Alausa also reaffirmed the administration’s determination to avoid future strikes. “This government does not want strikes. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu strongly believes that young people are the heartbeat of this nation, and he is determined to keep our children in school. We are committed to this task with sincerity, transparency, and respect for all parties.”
The Ministry concluded its Twitter post with a call for patience and support: “The Federal Government urges Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as it works to conclusively close this chapter of recurring disputes with a sustainable agreement that will stand the test of time.”
Boluwatife Enome
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