The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities have arranged a follow-up meeting on September 6, 2024.
Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, made the announcement at the conclusion of a meeting with union leadership on Wednesday at the Federal Ministry of Education.
Following resolutions passed at the union’s national executive council meeting on August 19, 2024, at the University of Ibadan, public university lecturers planned a nationwide strike in protest of the Federal Government’s inability to follow the 2009 renegotiated agreement.
ASUU’s demands include improved welfare and university finance, as well as a halt to the widespread growth of universities.
In response to ASUU’s ultimatum, Minister of Education Tahir Mamman stated that the majority of the points of conflict dated back to 1981. He, however, stated that letters of invitation had been sent to the leadership of the Union and other organisations, and that their dissatisfaction was being addressed:
“Most of the issues mentioned by ASUU are being addressed. For example, the President has settled the issue of exiting the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Bureaucracy is the reason for the delay in implementing the directive. However, by the time we meet on Monday, some of these issues would have been addressed and handled.”
“The majority of ASUU’s demands began in 1981. And the ASUU strike has affected almost every level of government. But the President promised during the campaign that a permanent solution would be given this time, and he has demonstrated that through his words and deeds,” he said.
The Minister also urged ASUU to be sensitive and open-minded at the negotiating table so that all sides’ interests may be appropriately reflected.