ASUU NEC to Decide Next Action After Renegotiation Wraps Up; Labour Congress Supports Union Amid Strike Threat
ASUU NEC to Decide Next Action After Renegotiation Wraps Up; Labour Congress Supports Union Amid Strike Threat
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is scheduled to convene on Wednesday to determine the union’s next course of action following the completion of renegotiation talks led by the Yayale Ahmed committee, established by the Federal Government.
In a bid to prevent another strike by ASUU, the government’s renegotiation team resumed discussions with the union on Monday. The meeting, which commenced yesterday, is expected to conclude today (Tuesday), a senior ASUU NEC member, who requested anonymity due to media restrictions during negotiations, disclosed.
“The renegotiation started on Monday and will wrap up today. After that, NEC will meet to decide our next steps by Wednesday. The outcome will be communicated then,” the NEC member stated.
The union’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired on Saturday, fueling growing concerns across public universities. ASUU has repeatedly threatened a full strike, accusing the government of indifference towards its longstanding demands, which include revising the 2009 agreement, settling unpaid salaries and allowances, and releasing funds for university revitalization projects.
Despite these issues, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, currently abroad, maintains that the government has addressed most of the union’s demands. Speaking to State House correspondents two weeks ago, he reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no strike should occur in public universities, emphasizing that negotiations are ongoing.
“As I mentioned, the President has directed that ASUU should not go on strike, and we are doing everything possible to keep students in school,” Alausa said. “We’ve met nearly all their requirements and are back at the negotiation table. We will find a resolution.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress has voiced its backing for ASUU, warning that it will support the union if the government fails to meet its demands.
