The Federal government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, that it would not hesitate to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy in line with the extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, if academic activities are disrupted in the nation’s universities.
It said that while the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources.
The Government, therefore, urged ASUU to embrace dialogue rather than embarking on a Strike, as it remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and the government is open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.
In a statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alaus, a explains that the Federal Government has demonstrated sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with the Union, noting that virtually all the concerns raised by ASUU have been addressed, which include the introduction of a big percentage of teaching allowance and significant improvements in the conditions of service of academic staff.
According to the Minister, the remaining matters are those that rightfully fall within the jurisdiction of the governing councils of the respective universities, which have been recently reconstituted to handle such internal issues.
Dr. Alausa said the government had met the deadline for presenting its position to the union as agreed, yet instead of reverting to the Ministry in continuation of dialogue, ASUU has chosen to proceed with strike, an action which it observes does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public, especially given the government’s demonstrable commitment and concrete steps already taken.
The Minister of Education reassured Nigerian students, parents, and the general public that the Federal Government is firmly committed to maintaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education system.
Patience Olumati
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