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Strike: FG, ASUU Engage in Closed-Door Negotiations |
The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are currently in a closed-door session to address the ongoing disputes and prevent a strike by the Union.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the meeting began at approximately 4:30 pm on Wednesday in the office of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
Joining the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, are other senior ministry officials on the federal government's team.
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, who is heading the union's delegation, informed reporters that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss persistent issues within the universities and forestall the impending strike.
"There are numerous unresolved matters within the system, and we had anticipated they would have been addressed by now.
'The issues should have been settled in accordance with President Bola Tinubu's assurances, thus preventing a strike within the university system.
"We are optimistic that this meeting will resolve some of these matters, allowing us to progress as a nation and in our university system," he stated.
Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, earlier mentioned that the meeting is an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on the challenges facing the university system.
Mamman highlighted that ASUU had previously communicated to the ministry a list of issues and concerns impacting the universities and the union.
He mentioned that these issues necessitate dialogue between the union and government representatives to avoid any potential strike by the union.
As per NAN's latest update, the closed-door discussions are still in progress.
ASUU has warned of a possible nationwide strike due to the federal government's inability to fulfill its obligations.
Osodeke has urged the government to take action within two weeks to meet all of the union's outstanding demands.
