ASUU strike: FG still open to negotiations – Minister of Labor

The federal government says the National Labor Court’s order ordering Academic Staff Union (ASUU) universities back to class will not stop negotiations with professors over their demands.

Minister of Labor and Employment Chris Ngige said this on Wednesday when members of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Scholars visited him in Abuja

Earlier On Wednesday, the national labor court had ordered the union to call their seven-month-old strike and return to class.

The union has been on strike since February 09 for questions concerning the well-being of professors, the autonomy of the university, between other matters.

Speaking on the court’s decision, Ngige said the federal government was still open to negotiations with the ASUU.

“The court’s decision does not prevent us from continuing negotiations and consultations,” he said.

“There is no winner, no loser.

“You, university doctors, are members of ASUU for now. But you are here even though you have disassociated and are working.

“We want to thank you for working and teaching your students.”

The Minister also spoke about the recent meeting between ASUU and the leadership of the House of Representatives, and commended Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House, and other legislators for their efforts.

After the meeting involving lawmakers, Gbajabiamila had said that the leadership of the House of Representatives would hold a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on this matter.

“Since the house showed interest now she is good and wonderful. When they present this proposal, the executive will have no problem,” said Ngige.

“ASUU should also know that this is a step in the right direction . All these things were promised to them by the Minister of Education during their last meeting.

“For me, they should do the necessary and go back to class.”

Ngige added that the federal government will soon order the vice-chancellors to reopen the universities in accordance with the order. of the court.

Views of publications: 0

Comments

comments

Check also

Declare the seat of Ekweremadu vacant now, the lawyer says in court 2016Ogochukwu Onyema, a lawyer, requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to declare the …