Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to attend to the union’s demands decisively to avoid escalation.
The Federal Government has postponed its meeting with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), initially scheduled for Monday, August 26, 2024, to a later date.
This was disclosed earlier today by the Minister of Education, which has now been confirmed by ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke.
The meeting has now been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 29, although no reason was given for the delay.
This announcement comes amidst tensions between ASUU and the Federal Government.
Recall that the union raised alarms of a nationwide strike, citing the government’s refusal to honour the 2009 renegotiation agreement as a reason.
This threat was part of the resolutions reached after the union’s national executive meeting held at the University of Ibadan.
Some of their concerns include improved welfare and increased funding for universities.
ASUU believes that these matters are critical to maintaining the quality and sustainability of Nigerian higher institutions.
The union’s warning of a coming nationwide strike has raised concerns amongst many stakeholders, which adds urgency to the need for a resolute solution between the two parties.
Public universities have been plagued by a disruption in the academic calendar in recent years due to the frequent strikes exercised by ASUU. This has also led to prolonged delays in academic activities and uncertainty for students.
The upcoming meeting, therefore, provides a critical opportunity for both parties to come to a suitable resolution.