The Minister of Education, Professor Adamu Adamu, has expressed surprise over the 30 days warning strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU).
In a press briefing with State House Correspondents, shortly after the Wednesday Federal Executive Council, (FEC) meeting, Prof. Adamu said, “It is unfortunate that, ASUU has gone on strike…”
Adamu, who confirmed to pressmen that, “all issues concerning ASUU are being addressed by the Federal Government, (FG),” again expressed concerns over the Union ‘abrupt’ decision to go on strike.
Concerning the draft agreement between ASUU and the FG, the Education Minister said, “A committee is looking at it,” and that the “government will announce what it accept in the draft agreement.”
Minister Adamu also pointed out that, the “government is ready to meet all ongoing issues with ASUU,” adding that, “we, (FG), wants a peaceful resolution” in matters concerning the Union’s grievances.
Prof. Adamu Adamu however stated that, he cannot give the time frame when a concrete agreement will be reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Notwithstanding, ASUU has started a one month notice strike on Monday; after which the Union intents to go on an indefinite strike.
The indefinite strike is expected to commence as soon as the one month warning strike is over if the Union’s demands, which include: “payment of Earned Academic Allowance, revitalisation fund, the replacement of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System, (IPPIS), which should be done with the University Transparency and Accountability System, (UTAS)” are not given the necessary consideration(s).