From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
A meeting between the Federal Government’s representatives, led by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, and the representatives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in search of lasting industrial peace in the university system, ended in deadlock in Abuja, yesterday.
But the parties have agreed to meet on September 6, 2024, to continue discussions on the better way to resolve several issues highlighted by ASUU in which they threatened to embark on nationwide strike if the government fails to attend to the needs.
Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, told newsmen at the end of the close door meeting that sub-committees were inaugurated to fasten actions on the key areas of interest to both parties.
He added that another meeting has been scheduled for September 6, which is three days to the expiration of the 21-day strike notice, to take decisions on the issues.
The strike notice by ASUU is expected to elapse on September 9, three days after the rescheduled meeting.
He was optimistic that the sub-committees would work on their various tasks, and return to the meeting with positive answers that would further solidify industrial peace and harmony in the universities.
On his side, the ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodoke, appreciated the minister for the efforts towards resolving the issues highlighted by ASUU.
He said: “We have met and reviewed what has been done as regards progress on the issues raised between the last time we met and now. We had a holistic review of everything and agreed to meet next month, precisely September 6 to further seek solutions to our demands.
“We hope in the interest of Nigerian students and the country in general, these issues would be resolved amicably so we can have a smooth academic calendar in Nigerian universities.
“As regards the strike threat, the meeting of next month will determine the next line of action. Besides, it is our members that decide, and not the executives.
“However, we are hopeful and optimistic that whatever the case may be, it won’t degenerate into industrial breakdown that could cripple academic activities in the universities.”
“ASUU, a few days ago, issued a 21-day notice of strike to the Federal Government over several unresolved issues, notably, emergency revitalisation fund of public universities; payment of outstanding earned academic allowances; and release of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and third-party deductions of our members.
“The other issues include stoppage of illegal recruitments; proliferation of public universities/abuse of universities’ laws, regulations and processes; and removal of universities from the treasury single account and new IPPIS vis-a-vis to herald the autonomy of our universities.”
But Mamman told newsmen at a press conference to mark one year in office, in Abuja, last Friday, that most of the issues raised by ASUU are being attended to.
He said: “For instance, the issue of exit from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System has since been resolved by the president. Bureaucracy is the reason for delay in the implementation of that directive. But by the time we meet on Monday, some of these issues will be discussed and resolved.”
He insisted the President Bola Tinubu is committed to academic stability in the schools, and would not hold back any support that would ensure the era of academic disruption in the tertiary institutions are over.
“Most of the ASUU’s demands started far back in 1981. And virtually all the past administrations have had their fair share of ASUU strikes. But the president made a commitment during the campaign and afterwards, that permanent solution would be provided this time, and he has shown that in his steps and actions,” he said.
He thus appealed to ASUU to be considerate in its actions and open-minded in its approach to the negotiation table so that interest of all parties would be properly represented.
In addressing the demand of the union, the minister, earlier today, constituted an implementation monitoring committee of NEEDS Assessment intervention fund for Nigerian public universities
It was gathered that ASUU is seeking a comprehensive overhaul of the university system, including improved infrastructure, enhanced academic freedom, and a more sustainable funding model.
Other demands of the union included the release of revitalisation funds for universities, renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, and release of earned allowances for university lecturers.
Others are deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution.