The Senate has expressed deep concern over the Federal Government’s failure to honour its agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing the situation as unacceptable.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary institutions and TETFund, Senator Aliyu Dandutse, made the disclosure after a closed-door session with the leadership of ASUU.
This followed the ongoing two-week warning strike resulting from longstanding issues that dated as far back as 2011.
He further noted that the Senate would immediately initiate a negotiation process involving key stakeholders, including ASUU, the Ministry of Education, and the National Universities Commission, to chart a path toward a permanent resolution of the crisis.
To address the controversial issue surrounding the University of Abuja land, Sen.Dandutse confirmed that the Senate would also engage with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to find an amicable solution.
‘The Senate will interface with the FCT Minister on the land matter, and other concerns raised will be carefully studied. Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure an amicable and lasting resolution”.
The committee further urged ASUU to formally submit a comprehensive list of their demands in writing, to allow the Senate to assess both immediate and long-term legislative and policy measures needed to address the challenges plaguing the sector.