No agreement yet to call off strike – ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) has denied reports that it agreed to suspend the ongoing strike after meeting with the federal government negotiation team led by Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment on Friday.

The government had reportedly agreed to increase its offer for Earned Allowances EA to university-based unions and funding for the revitalization of public universities from N65bn to N70bn

There were reports that ASUU indicated that the 8-month long strike would soon be called off after a meeting with the leadership of the union and its organs.

According to the report, the union agreed to call off the strike after the government pledged to pay N40 billion for Earned Allowances and N30 billion for the revitalization of the university system bringing the total payment to N70 billion.

But ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, speaking to Vanguard, denied knowledge of any agreement to call off the strike.

He said that the only matter agreed at the meeting, was that the union should convey Government message to their organs and get back to Government.

”I am not aware of that. All I know is that we had a meeting and we are going to report to our members. But I don’t know about suspension of the strike,” Prof. Ogunyemi said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Chris Ngige told reporters after the meeting that, “Many issues were discussed at the meeting including salary shortfall, the payment system and revitalization of the university system. I am positive that all the issues would be resolved at our next meeting.”