ASUU strike: Action to end soon as Union, government finally shift grounds

Having kept Nigerians in the dark for
more than 48 hours after a meeting
between the Federal government and the
Academic Staff Union of
Universities ,ASUU, there are indications
that the prolonged strike may be called off in a matter of days. A presidential source had disclosed to
DailyPost that President Jonathan’s
appearance at the last meeting played a
major role in pacifying the minds of the
Union members who accepted certain
conditions on behalf of their members just for the respect of Mr. President. The source said that the ASUU
representatives commended Jonathan’s
presence at the meeting and promised
the presidential team that they would go
back and talk to their members on the
need to empathise with the government, and reasonably shift ground. A source who pleaded not to be
mentioned in the print said, ” The ASUU
President and other representative at the
meeting were full of praises for Mr.
President who had decided to personally
intervene in the strike. They commended his presence and promised to get back to
the presidency after the Union’s
executive meeting. But from every
indication, ASUU is happy with the new
approach by the government.” Speaking on when the
strike may likely be
called off, he said, ” probably before the
end of next week. You know, their
decision will take series of consultations
with other executive members and chapters’ chairmen. The truth is that
there is hope, and very soon, our children
will return to school.” He had disclosed further that Jonathan
was very pleased with the Union leaders
after they gave several reasons on why
they had remained adamant even with
government’s several offers. He said ” Mr. President was very pleased
with the ASUU leadership for their
openness and willingness to dialogue. He
was very happy that even with their
genuine case, they were willing to shift
ground, just like the government shifted ground. The meeting outcome remains
confidential, but I assure you that both
ASUU and the Federal government were
satisfied at the end” Recall that a meeting between the
Federal government and ASUU held on
Monday and President Jonathan led the
Federal Government’s delegation. Also
with the President were; Vice President,
Namadi Sambo; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Secretary to the
Government of the Federation, Anyim
Pius Anyim; Supervising Minister of
Education, Nyesom Wike; and Minister of
Labour, Emeka Wogu. On the other hand, the ASUU delegation
was led by its President, Dr. Nasiru Fagge;
past presidents such as Professor
Abdulahi Sule-Kano, Dr. Dipo Fashina and
Professor Festus Iyayi. Other members of the delegation were
Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, Prof. Victor
Osodeke, Prof. Suleiman Abdul, Dr. Victor
Igbum and Mr. Michael Odunmoraye.
President NLC, Abdulawahid Omar and
TUC, Bobboi Kaigama.