The National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is set to convene on Wednesday to determine the union’s next line of action following the completion of renegotiations undertaken by the Yayale Ahmed-led committee set up by the Federal Government.
In what appears to be a last-minute attempt to avert a nationwide university shutdown, the government reopened talks with ASUU on Monday.
A senior NEC member, who spoke anonymously due to restrictions on media engagement, confirmed that the renegotiation sessions, which resumed on Monday, are expected to conclude on Tuesday.
“The renegotiation meeting started on Monday and will end on Tuesday. After that, NEC will meet and determine our next steps by Wednesday. Everyone will know the outcome then,” the source revealed.
ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired on Saturday, intensifying apprehension across public universities. The union has maintained that the Federal Government has continued to ignore its longstanding demands, a situation it describes as “nonchalant.”
Key issues at the centre of the dispute include:
- Review of the 2009 ASUU–Federal Government agreement
- Payment of outstanding earned allowances and accumulated salaries
- Release of revitalisation funds for public universities
Despite mounting tension, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who is currently outside the country, insists that the government has met the union’s demands.
Speaking to State House correspondents two weeks ago, Alausa reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s position that another university strike must be prevented.
“As I told you, the President has mandated us that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school,” he stated.
“We’ve met nearly all their requirements and have returned to the negotiation table. We will resolve this.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared support for ASUU, warning that it is prepared to “fight alongside the academic community” should the Federal Government fail to address the union’s concerns.
