The federal government of Nigeran has assured that its negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would continue despite the court order directing the striking lecturers to resume work.
This was made known by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.
Speaking during a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with members of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, Ngige said the court order is a case of ‘no victor, no vanquished.’
In his words, “The court ruling does not preclude us from going on with further negotiation and consultations.
“It is no victor, no vanquished.
“You doctors in academics are for now members of ASUU. But you are here, even though you have dissociated yourselves and you are working.
“We want to thank you for working and teaching your students.”
The House Of Reps Interest
Ngige also commended the intervention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila in ensuring the strike issue is resolved.
It will be recalled that Gbajabiamila had invited certain stakeholders including government officials, ASUU leadership and others to forge a way out of the industrial action.
After the meeting, the Speaker said the leadership of the House would hold a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on the matter.
“Since the house has showed interest now, it is good and wonderful. When they bring that proposal, the executive will not have any problem,” Ngige commented.
ASUU Should Go Back To The Classroom
The Minister urged the striking lecturers to return to work while negotiations continue.
“ASUU should also know that this is a step in the right direction. All these things have been promised them by the minister of education at their last meeting.
“For me, they should do the needful and go back to the classroom.”
Ngige added that the federal government would soon direct vice-chancellors to reopen the universities in compliance with the order of court.
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