Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, is optimistic that despite threats by the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, the union will not embark on any industrial action soon.
Shekarau made this known on Monday during an impact assessment tour of the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
The university lecturers have been threatening an indefinite strike following what they described as non-implementation of agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government.
The minister averred that there was no problem between the FG and ASUU that could warrant another round of strike, pointing out, however, that the only minor problem between the two parties was information gap.
“We will continue to apply more and more dialogue to bridge the communication gap between the Federal Government and the ASUU to ensure that there is peace,” Shekarau said.
According to him, the issue of funding, which hitherto had been a major bone of contention between the parties, had been resolved.
He added, “I am sure that any ASUU member that sees what is going on in the tertiary institutions will be surprised. I tell you, some of the institutions, their money is waiting for them and allocations are being made in the last couple of weeks.
“They are just waiting for due process to be followed for them to access the funds. So, it is not the problem of need, the need has to be accessed. Government is providing the funds and we are releasing the funds gradually.
“ASSU is part of the implementation committee. So ASUU is following the picture of what is going on and I am sure with that, the days of strike will be over.”
Shekarau, who noted that he was impressed with the level of work at the Federal University, Otuoke, stressed that the government had invested so much in universities across the country through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Special Presidential Intervention Fund. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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