In a move to prevent a looming strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government has re-established a seven-member committee to renegotiate the 2009 agreements with university-based unions.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Monday, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, directed the members to conclude negotiations within three months.
The committee includes representatives from ASUU, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
Prof. Mamman emphasized the Tinubu administration’s commitment to enhancing the education sector and fostering harmony in universities.
He acknowledged that while renegotiations had commenced in 2017, various challenges had caused significant delays.
The minister further noted that a previous committee, chaired by Prof. Nimi Briggs, had submitted a draft report addressing key issues.
He urged the newly reconstituted committee to focus on crafting realistic agreements that address the core challenges of the Nigerian University System (NUS).
The chairman of the committee, Dr. Yayale Ahmed, called on the government to support universities in becoming globally competitive.
He also stressed the importance of viewing lecturers’ salaries as investments in the nation’s future.In his remarks, ASUU President Prof.
Emmanuel Osodeke expressed appreciation for the government’s renewed efforts and conveyed optimism about the outcome of the negotiations.
He affirmed the unions’ readiness to engage in discussions, provided the government remains committed to ensuring a stable academic calendar.
