The recent negotiations between the ASUU union and the Federal Government team provide renewed hope for the resolution of potential conflicts that could lead to industrial protests. During a closed-door meeting held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the parties agreed to put in place a communication process to avert planned strikes by the union.
The meeting, chaired by Ministers of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, and Dr Yusuf Sununu, lasted over two hours and saw the participation of other senior ministry officials in the government team federal. ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, who led the union team, told journalists after the meeting that the negotiation process had been initiated, hoping that the Federal Government would follow through on what was agreed .
“We discussed all the issues and assigned certain people to review and agree on the way forward. » Regarding the two-week ultimatum issued by the union, Osodeke said they would return to present the details of the meeting to their members.
Education Minister Mamman stressed that consultations would begin immediately to overcome the problems hindering education. “We had a very good meeting, very productive. We discussed the progress needed to make the system work well and most of the issues we discussed are legacy and some are ongoing. » He added: “We have a consensus on the way forward. »
These developments offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution of the problems, thus avoiding a national strike which would have serious consequences on the education system and on students. It is hoped that consultations will continue in a collaborative manner and that concrete solutions will be found to meet the legitimate demands of university teachers.