FG, ASUU to meet September 6

Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have fixed September 6 to meet to further negotiate and resolve issues bothering on lecturers’ welfare.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, yesterday, after a meeting between the two parties, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said the meeting would ensure that grey areas were resolved to avert the planned industrial action.

The Guardian reports that the meeting lasted for over two hours behind closed doors. The minister expressed optimism that universities would not be shut down, adding that sub-committees had been set up to look into the issues and report progress by next week.

In his comment, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed hope that the issues would be resolved before the next meeting. On whether the union would press ahead with strike if no resolution is reached by September 6, Osodeke said this would be decided by members.

“As a union, the leadership does not decide for our members. Whatever we get by September 6 will be communicated to our members and they will decide on what to do next.”

Recall that last week, ASUU issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to promptly address outstanding issues that had encumbered the development of Nigeria universities or face strike action.