The National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities will convene on Wednesday to assess the Federal Government’s latest terms and chart the union’s path forward. This comes after a renegotiation committee, headed by Yayale Ahmed, wrapped up talks with ASUU on Tuesday following a session that began on Monday. The decision looms large as the union’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired on Saturday, leaving public universities on edge.
A senior ASUU official, speaking anonymously due to negotiation guidelines, confirmed the timeline. “The renegotiation meeting started on Monday and will end on Tuesday,” the source said. “After that, NEC will meet and determine our next steps by Wednesday. Everyone will know the outcome then.”
ASUU has long decried the government’s “nonchalant” stance on key issues. Demands centre on revising the 2009 agreement, settling unpaid salaries and earned allowances, and disbursing funds for university revitalisation.
Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, speaking from abroad two weeks ago, insisted progress has been made. “The President has mandated us that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school,” he told reporters. “We’ve met nearly all their requirements and have returned to the negotiation table. We will resolve this.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress pledged solidarity with ASUU on Friday. It vowed to stand “fight alongside the academic community” should the government stall further.
This impasse weighs heavy on students and families, who face yet another shadow over their education. Lectures hang in limbo, dreams deferred by disputes that drag on too long. A swift accord could spare a generation more heartache in the classroom.
