ASUU-FG meeting ends in deadlock again

The rescheduled meeting between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and representatives of the Federal Government again ended in a deadlock on Monday.

This means that the ongoing ASUU Strike, which commenced on 4th November continues.

After the four hour meeting, the leadership of ASUU had vowed that it would remain so until the Federal Government satisfied their demand on the revitalization of universities.

Speaking after the rescheduled meeting with the FG at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment headquarters, ASUU president, Biodun Ogunyemi, told journalists that the meeting ended with grey areas to be resolved.

In his words, “We have not suspended the strike, the discussion will continue at a later date. We are going back to our members for further consultation . FG gave us reaction to our proposals but there were still grey areas that we are trying to sort out .

“Before the strike can be suspended , the most critical area that FG must address is revitalization. It is central to our academic work , unless that area is addressed, our members will still have issues. We are not demanding for N50bn , we are saying that the minimum that FG can release to reactivate revitalization fund is N50bn.”

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, however said that the FG and made substantial commitment to ASUU demands and would meet the leadership again when they were ready.

He added that although he had expected a marathon session with ASUU because President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered him to ensure that all issues relating to the strike were resolved, the meeting ended early.

He said, “We did not take a long time than we anticipated. We have other commitments but the important thing is that we have made substantial progress. We have reached some agreements in seven areas. Most of the issues have been resolved but ASUU will need to consult its members and come with what they think.”