Strike: FG, ASUU Reach Compromise, Set to Reconvene on September 6

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have reached a compromise to prevent the strike threatened by the union.

It can be recalled that ASUU had issued a 21-day strike notice to the government following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on August 19 at the University of Ibadan, due to unresolved demands.

During a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, both parties agreed to form a sub-committee to review ASUU’s demands, while the government committed to finding lasting solutions to the issues.

The meeting, which lasted about two and a half hours, was convened by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and attended by ASUU leadership, led by its National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Mamman said they would reconvene on September 6, after the sub-committee reviews and addresses the union’s demands to resolve any lingering concerns.

ASUU President, Prof. Osodeke, expressed hope that all issues would be resolved before the next meeting. “We have discussed the issues and given the government until the next meeting to address them. We believe the interest of the Nigerian students will be protected if these issues are resolved amicably,” he said.

The ASUU strike notice is set to expire on September 9, three days after the next meeting.

Earlier in the day, the Minister also formed an implementation monitoring committee to oversee the NEEDS Assessment intervention fund for Nigerian public universities, addressing one of ASUU’s key demands.

ASUU’s demands include the release of revitalization funds for universities, renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, release of earned allowances for lecturers, improved infrastructure, enhanced academic freedom, and a sustainable funding model for the university system.