Govt, ASUU resumes talks next Monday

THE Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are to resume talks on the lingering varsity teachers’ strike next Monday, ASUU’s National President Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, hinted yesterday.

He, however, said that the union has not been briefed on the alleged payment of N15.89 billion to universities by the government, two months after it embarked on strike. Ogunyemi spoke in Lagos while reacting to reports that the Federal Government had on the eve of the New Year, released N15.89 billion to universities.

The report stated that the fund was for the payment of shortfall in salaries of universities.

He said: “Well, someone actually drew my attention to that newspaper report. I have not received any formal letter from Federal Government, conveying such information to us.

“The only information I got from the Minister of Labour this afternoon when we spoke was that they have done something concerning our demands; what they have done, I do not know.

“The other thing he told me was that there is going to be a meeting between us (ASUU) and government on Monday.

“It is only when we get to the meeting that we will be able to know what government has done and if it is okay by us, then we will convey same to our members who will now take the next line of action,” he said.

ASUU member had, on November 4, 2018, embarked on what they had described as ‘comprehensive, total and indefinite nationwide strike’ to press home their demands.

The lecturers were protesting against alleged non-implementation of agreements they entered into with the Federal Government in 2013 and 2017.

They were also agitating the poor welfare, poor funding, and general decay in education infrastructure, among others.

Since the commencement of the strike, members of the union had met with the Federal Government six times, to find a way forward to the issues, all ending in a deadlock.