Fed Govt Moves To Ward Off Strike.
The Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige plans to review the implementation of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed by the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), today.
This move by the minister’s is in a bid to avert another round of industrial strike which will culminate in further disruptions in academic activities in public varsities.
Dr. Chris Ngige stated last night, “I will find out from the Accountant-General’s office and the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning tomorrow (today).
Ngige’s plan came as the leadership of the ASUU was locked in a meeting last night over alleged failure of the Federal Government to meet its demands.
ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke said the leadership of the union was in a marathon meeting to review the implementation of the various interventions reached with the Federal Government.
Osodeke said only funds for the revitalisation of public universities have been partially addressed by the government, following the 21-day ultimatum issued by the union.
The three-week ultimatum, issued on November 15, 2021, ends today.
The ASUU leader confirmed that part of the needs assessment funds have been released to the universities.
Speaking earlier on a Channels Television programme: Politics Today, he said the grievances of the university lecturers would be addressed in the next two weeks.
The minister assured of the payment of the N30 billion revitalisation fund and N22.1 billion Earned Allowances before the expiration of the ultimatum to the university lecturers.
SOURCE: THE NATION NEWSPAPER
