The National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will meet on Wednesday to determine the union’s next course of action as renewed negotiations with the Federal Government come to a close.
In what appears to be a last-minute attempt to prevent a fresh nationwide university shutdown, the Federal Government’s renegotiation team, led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, reconvened discussions with ASUU on Monday.
A senior NEC member, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on media interaction, confirmed to Punch that the renegotiation session began on Monday and would formally conclude today (Tuesday).
He said, “The renegotiation meeting started on Monday and will end on Tuesday. After that, NEC will meet and determine our next steps by Wednesday. Everyone will know the outcome then.”
ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired on Saturday, raising fears of another nationwide strike that could again destabilise academic activities in public universities.
The union has consistently accused the government of displaying a “nonchalant attitude” toward longstanding issues that have plagued the tertiary education sector.
ASUU’s core demands include a review and implementation of the 2009 FG–ASUU agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned academic allowances and release of funds for university revitalisation.
Despite growing concerns, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has repeatedly insisted that the government has honoured its obligations.
Speaking to State House correspondents two weeks ago, Alausa reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no strike should occur in any public university.
He said, “As I told you, the President has mandated us that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school.
“We’ve met nearly all their requirements and have returned to the negotiation table. We will resolve this.”
Alausa is currently out of the country but continues to receive updates on the negotiation progress.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has thrown its weight behind ASUU, warning that it is prepared to join the struggle if the government fails to address the union’s demands.
The NLC said it would “fight alongside the academic community” should the Federal Government allow another breakdown in university education.
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