The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, on Wednesday condemned the indefinite strike embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, calling for restraint.
He said most of their grievances were already being addressed by the government.
Mr. Adamu who stated this while speaking with journalists after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting in Abuja, said the government was displeased that ASUU went on this strike without following due process “and giving good notice.”
He admitted that the government had not fulfilled its part of past negotiations but added that issues raised by the union were being looked into.
He expressed hope that a scheduled meeting on Wednesday between both parties and another on Thursday would resolve the imbroglio.
Commenting on the issue of earned allowances, which forms part of the union’s protest, the minister said it would be implemented.
He also commented on other demands.
“There is the issue of registration for Nigerian Universities Pension Commission. I think that is one issue that needs to be sorted out with the Nigerian Pension Commission. I believe there will be no problem with that,” Mr. Adamu said.
He said a court had given the union the verdict to go ahead with the initiation of their staff school project which is also a demand.
“They have also requested that they should be allowed to stay off Treasury Single Account, TSA. I think the government will not do (accept) this but there are some peculiar funds in the university system like endowment funds which will not be affected by the TSA.’’
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported the reasons for the current strike.
Meanwhile, following the meeting between the union and the federal government yesterday, both parties have agreed to raise a forensic team to audit the N30 billion given to ASUU in 2010. The duo also agreed on monthly remittances to ASUU while the audit lasts
Negotiations are scheduled to continue on Thursday in Abuja.
ASUU began the indefinite strike on August 13.
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
TEXT AD: To advertise here . Call Willie +2347088095401...
![Minister of Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN making a point during a Press Briefing on the Partial Closure for Repairs and Restoration of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos at the Ministry of Works and Housing Headquarters Mabushi Abuja on Tuesday 21st July 2020 [PHOTO CREDIT: worksandhousing]](https://i1.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2020/08/1595433840.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
Discussion about this post