ASUU NEC meets Wednesday to decide on possible strike after renegotiation talks with the Federal Government conclude, as tensions grow across public universities.
The National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will on Wednesday determine the union’s next course of action as renegotiation meetings with the Federal Government conclude.
The discussions, led by the Yayale Ahmed committee, resumed on Monday in a renewed effort to prevent another nationwide university shutdown. A senior ASUU NEC member confirmed that the talks would end Tuesday, after which the union leadership will convene to decide its response.
“The renegotiation meeting started on Monday and will end on Tuesday. After that, NEC will meet and determine our next steps by Wednesday. Everyone will know the outcome then,” the official said, noting that media engagement is restricted during the negotiation phase.
ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired on Saturday, increasing tension across public universities. The union has repeatedly accused the government of neglecting its obligations, insisting that issues such as implementation of the 2009 ASUU–FG agreement, payment of withheld salaries and earned allowances, and release of revitalisation funds remain unresolved.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who is currently out of the country, has maintained that the administration has addressed the major demands. Speaking earlier at the State House, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given a clear directive that no strike should occur in the country’s universities.
“As I told you, the President has mandated us that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school,” Alausa stated.
“We’ve met nearly all their requirements and have returned to the negotiation table. We will resolve this.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress has thrown its weight behind ASUU, warning that it is prepared to “fight alongside the academic community” should the government fail to deliver on its commitments.
The outcome of Wednesday’s NEC meeting is now expected to determine whether universities remain open or face fresh industrial action.
About the Author
