Representatives of the Federal Government and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) convened on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, to discuss ways to avert an impending strike by university lecturers.
The meeting, aimed at addressing key issues raised by ASUU, will reconvene on September 6.
Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, who disclosed this in Abuja, stated that the government is collaborating with ASUU to develop solutions to the contentious issues at hand.
He also announced the formation of a new executive leadership team of pro-chancellors tasked with addressing the concerns raised by the lecturers.
Additionally, a joint committee has been established, comprising representatives from ASUU, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Ministry of Labour.
The committee’s mandate is to expedite the implementation of unresolved issues, particularly those with directives from the presidency.
The minister noted that the meeting would reconvene next week to review feedback and progress reports on various levels of implementation.
ASUU is expected to provide detailed information on unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments, which were affected by the application of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The union is also to report on outstanding third-party deductions, enabling the Ministry of Education to forward these concerns to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for further action.
This meeting follows recent threats by university lecturers to embark on a nationwide strike due to the Federal Government’s alleged failure to meet their demands.
The meeting, originally scheduled for Monday but postponed, was crucial in preventing another strike in the sector and ensuring enhanced security across universities.
Minister Mamman emphasised the government’s commitment to improving security within the education system and reiterated its resolve to keep students on campus.
