FG Still Willing to Negotiate with ASUU Despite Court Victory – Minister

The Federal Government has said that it will continue to negotiate with ASUU in spite of Wednesday’s court ruling restraining the union from continuing with its seventh month strike.

Following a suit filed by the Federal Government, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja ordered the striking lecturers to return to the classroom on Wednesday.

Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, made the Federal Government’s position clear when he hosted visiting members of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics.

“The court ruling does not preclude us from continuing to negotiate and consult,” he said.

ASUU began its strike in order to demand that the Federal Government reconsider some agreements reached in 2009, as well as to improve varsity funding and payment of earned allowances.

The lecturers also want the Federal Government to abandon its Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for the purpose of paying their salaries.

The Federal Government pays its employees through the IPPIS platform.

They demanded that the government, rather than its IPPIS, use the University Transparency and Accountability Solution, a payment platform designed by universities themselves to pay lecturers.

The minister told his visitors that the Industrial Court’s decision was in Nigeria’s and its people’s best interests.

According to him, the ruling benefits the government, students, lecturers, and all Nigerians.

“There is no victor, no vanquished.”

“You academic doctors are currently members of ASUU, but you are present; even though you have dissociated yourself and are working.”

“We want to thank you for your hard work and dedication to your students,” the minister said.

He mentioned that university pro-chancellors had met with President Muhammadu Buhari and made some demands, including topping up the government’s offer and investigating the possibility of a bailout.

Ngige went on to say that the president had promised to consult with stakeholders about the request.

The minister also praised the House of Representatives for its intervention in the ASUU saga.

Ngige expressed satisfaction that the Speaker, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, had assured him that principal officers of the House would meet with President Buhari to discuss the strike.

He explained that any funds approved to meet some of the demands would be rolled into the 2023 budget.

“It’s wonderful that the House has shown interest now. When they present that proposal, the Executive will have no objections.

“ASUU should also be aware that this is a positive step.” All of this was promised to them at their last meeting by the Minister of Education.

“In my opinion, they should do the necessary and return to the classroom,” the minister said.

Ngige stated that the government would soon direct vice-chancellors to reopen the universities in accordance with the court’s order. (NAN)

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