The House of Representatives on Tuesday expressed it readiness to intervene in the dispute between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the dispute which has to disrupt university system in Nigeria
The intervention followed a motion by lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Sesi Winghan under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
ASUU had on Monday, commenced a two-week warning strike in public universities across the country, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal government to address the union’s lingering demands.
This is the first nationwide strike in nearly three years of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The union has been at loggerheads with the government over its conditions of service and funding for the universities as contained in a 2009 agreement between ASUU and the government.
The demands as listed by ASUU include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN- ASUU Agreement, release of the withheld three-and-half months salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, and the revitalisation of universities.
Others are payment of the outstanding 25-35 per cent salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years, and the release of withheld cooperative contributions deductions
The renegotiation of the 2009 agreement has stalled since 2017, with the government inaugurating at least six committees within the period and failing to sign or implement the draft produced by the committees.
The latest was the draft produced by the Yayale Ahmed-led committee, inaugurated in October 2024. Mr Ahmed’s committee’s report was submitted to the government in December 2024. However, the minister said he didn’t receive it until February, according to ASUU President, Chris Piwuna.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa who claimed that all the issues raised by the union had been addressed by government, threatened that the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy would be applied against the striking lecturers
He asked university vice-chancellors to take note of academics who stayed away from work.
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