FG, ASUU meeting rescheduled amidst strike threat

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have scheduled a crucial follow-up meeting for September 6, 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to address the union’s demands and prevent a looming nationwide strike.

This development was announced by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, after a meeting with ASUU leadership on Wednesday at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja.

ASUU had recently issued a strike threat following a national executive council meeting held at the University of Ibadan on August 19, 2024. The union’s grievances revolve around the Federal Government’s failure to implement the 2009 renegotiated agreement, which includes demands for improved welfare for university staff, better funding for public universities, and a halt to the proliferation of new universities.

Responding to ASUU’s ultimatum, Prof. Mamman acknowledged that many of the issues raised by the union have deep historical roots, dating as far back as 1981. He assured that the government is actively addressing these concerns, emphasizing that some of the key issues, such as the exit from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), have already been resolved by President Bola Tinubu. However, he cited bureaucratic delays as the reason for the slow implementation of these resolutions.

“Most of the issues raised by ASUU are being attended to. For instance, the issue of exit from the IPPIS has since been resolved by the President. Bureaucracy is the reason for the delay in implementing that directive. But by the time we meet on Monday, some of these issues will be discussed and resolved,” the Minister stated.

Prof. Mamman further highlighted that successive governments have faced similar challenges with ASUU, noting that every administration has had its share of strikes. However, he emphasized that President Tinubu has made a commitment to finding a lasting solution to these perennial issues, a commitment reflected in his actions since taking office.

The Minister also called on ASUU to approach the upcoming negotiations with an open mind and a spirit of compromise, urging the union to consider the broader interests of all stakeholders in the education sector.