The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have reached a compromise to prevent a potential strike that was recently threatened by the union.
This development emerged after a crucial meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja between both parties. The meeting was convened to address ASUU’s demands and find a sustainable resolution to the ongoing disagreements that have frequently led to strikes, disrupting academic activities across the country.
The meeting, which lasted for about two and a half hours, was organized by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, and included key representatives from the federal government as well as the leadership of ASUU, led by its National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke.
The discussions were held behind closed doors, signaling the gravity of the issues at hand and the commitment of both sides to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a sub-committee was formed with the specific mandate to review ASUU’s demands. The government has committed to finding lasting solutions to the issues raised by the union, which include better funding for universities, improved welfare for lecturers, and the implementation of previous agreements made between the government and ASUU.
In a briefing to newsmen after the meeting, Minister of Education Professor Tahir Mamman emphasized the positive nature of the discussions. He stated that both parties have agreed to reconvene on September 6 to further evaluate progress and ensure that all outstanding issues are adequately addressed. “We have set up a sub-committee to thoroughly review the demands of ASUU and ensure that all grey areas are ironed out and resolved,” Mamman said.
ASUU President Professor Emmanuel Osodeke also expressed optimism following the meeting. He reiterated the union’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students and the academic integrity of universities.
“We have met to discuss all the issues and review them. We have given the government between now and the next meeting to see what they have to do,” Osodeke explained. He added, “We believe in the interest of the Nigerian child and we will be protecting their interest if the issues are resolved amicably.”
The recent dialogue between the Federal Government and ASUU is a significant step towards preventing another strike that could disrupt the academic calendar and affect millions of university students nationwide.
Over the years, ASUU has consistently embarked on strikes to press home demands for better working conditions, improved funding for education, and the implementation of agreements reached with the government. These strikes have often led to prolonged closures of universities, causing delays in academic programs and widespread frustration among students and parents.
The agreement to set up a sub-committee and reconvene on September 6 reflects a renewed commitment by both the government and ASUU to find a peaceful resolution to their differences.
