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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Government, on Monday, explained why the renegotiation of agreements reached with university lecturers under the umbrella of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university based labour unions lingered for long with durable resolution.
The government recalled that the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreements between the Federal Government and the University-based staff unions (ASUU, SSANU, NAAT & NASU) commenced on Monday, 13th February 2017.
Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who spoke at the inauguration of reconstituted Federal Government renegotiation committee in Abuja, on Monday, explained that COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances led to the prolonged renegotiation with ASUU and other unions.
Prof. Emeritus Nimi Briggs, Pro-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, is leading the Federal Government renegotiation team.
Members of the Federal Government team are Lawrence Patrick Ngbale, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University. Wukari, Taraba State representing the North East; Prof. Funmi Togunu-Bickersteth, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi representing South West; Senator Chris Adighije, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University. Lokoja, representing the South East.
Others are Prof. Olu Obafemi Pro-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, representing the North-Central; Prof. Zubairu Iliyasu, Pro-Chancellor, Kano State University of Science & Technology, representing North West; and Barr. Matthew B. Seiyefa, Pro-Chancellor, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, representing South South.
The Minister, in his remarks, reminded them of the enormous responsibilities ahead of them, appealing to them not to disappoint the Federal Government that found them worthy of the task.
Adamu said: “There is no gain saying that the earnest desire of every stakeholder in the Nigenan University System (NUS) and, indeed, the nation at lärge is to conclude this re-negotiation exercise within the shortest possible period.
“Therefore, I wish to specially appeal to this reconstituted committee to double its effort towards concluding the assignment and producing a realistic and workable draft agreements that would holistically tackle the challenges confronting the NUS and reposition it to effectively play its very important role in national development.”
He said the committee is expected to review the draft proposed FGN/ASUU agreements, and liaise and consult with relevant stakeholders to finalise the position of the Federal Government to the issues in the draft proposed FGN/ASUU renegotiated agreement.
Other responsibilities include, renegotiating in realistic and workable terms the 2009 agreements with other University-Based Unions; negotiate and recommend any other issue the Committee deems relevant to reposition the NUS for global competitiveness; and submit proposed draft agreements within three months from the date of inauguration.
The Minister assured the Committee of the Federal Government’s maximum support and cooperation in the course of this important national assignment.
Chairman of the renegotiation team, Prof. Briggs, on behalf of the team acknowledged the trust and confidence bestowed on them, and assured the Minister that the team would thorough in their responsibilities, and produce result that would be acceptable to all parties.
