ASUU NEC Meets Wednesday to Decide Next Steps as Government Renegotiation Ends

Fresh uncertainty surrounds the academic sector as the Academic Staff Union of Universities prepares for a crucial National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday where the union will decide its next move following the completion of renegotiation talks with the Federal Government.

According to information obtained by newsmen the Yayale Ahmed-led committee reconvened discussions with ASUU on Monday in a final push to ease growing fears of another nationwide strike. A senior member of the NEC who spoke anonymously due to restrictions on public commentary confirmed that the talks which resumed yesterday will be formally concluded today.

The source noted that once the committee wraps up its assignment ASUU’s NEC will deliberate on Wednesday and announce whatever decision emerges. He added that the entire country will know the union’s direction after the meeting.

Tension has risen across public universities since ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired on Saturday. The union has consistently accused government officials of adopting a nonchalant posture toward issues it has raised for years.

Among ASUU’s key demands are the review of the 2009 ASUU–Federal Government agreement payment of withheld salaries and earned allowances and the disbursement of funds for university revitalisation projects.

The Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa who is currently abroad maintains that the administration has fulfilled nearly all the demands. Speaking to State House correspondents two weeks ago he reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s position that public universities must not slip into another cycle of strikes.

Alausa stated that negotiations remain active and assured that the government is committed to keeping students on campus. He expressed confidence that both sides will ultimately reach a resolution.

Meanwhile the Nigeria Labour Congress has declared that it stands firmly with ASUU warning that it is prepared to join the union in any confrontation should government fail to address the outstanding issues.