ASUU Strike: NLC to Hold Emergency Meeting as Ultimatum Expires

The Nigeria Labour Congress has stated that its branches will convene to determine the subsequent course of action, as the deadline it set f...

The Nigeria Labour Congress has stated that its branches will convene to determine the subsequent course of action, as the deadline it set for the Federal Government regarding potential industrial action in public tertiary institutions is due on Saturday (today).

The acting Secretary-General of the NLC, Benson Upah, revealed this during an interview with our reporter in Abuja on Friday.

Following a meeting with unions affiliated with tertiary institutions, the NLC decided to issue the Federal Government with a one-month deadline to address the ongoing crisis in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

We have chosen to provide the Federal Government with four weeks to finalize all discussions within this sector. They have initiated talks with ASUU, but the issue in this sector extends beyond ASUU. This is why we are prolonging the period to four weeks.

"The time of signing agreements, engaging in negotiations, and issuing threats to the unions has concluded," said Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, during a press briefing following the meeting with labor leaders.

Following the deadline's expiration on Friday, Upah stated to our reporter that the NLC continues to prioritize industrial peace in higher education institutions.

He stated, "In line with our promise and as part of our steadfast dedication to the honorable goals of the unions in higher education institutions, the relevant bodies of the Congress will convene and determine the subsequent steps. You will be properly notified."

In the meantime, the National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to implement appropriate actions to prevent the impending strike in public universities.

In conversation with our reporter, the Assistant Secretary-General of NANS, Adejuwon Olatunji-Emmanuel, urged the Federal Government to implement "urgent, firm, and long-term measures" to tackle the challenges related to the ongoing strike declared by ASUU.

Olatunji-Emmanuel emphasized that all required steps must be implemented to avoid a complete halt in academic operations at higher education institutions.

From the start of President Bola Tinubu's leadership, Nigerian students have had a continuous academic schedule, a kind of stability that hasn't been seen since 1999. This advancement needs to be protected.

"Maintaining this momentum is crucial not only for academic consistency but also for the country's growth, efficiency, and the welfare of millions of students whose future relies on a reliable and steady educational system," he added.

He also called on the Federal Government and all relevant parties to focus on meaningful discussion and promptly address all unresolved issues, ensuring that schools stay open and education proceeds without interruption.

ASUU called off its two-week warning strike on October 22, giving the Federal Government a one-month period to address its demands. However, this one-month period expired on Friday (yesterday).

Key demands include the examination of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government pact, settlement of unpaid wages and accrued benefits, and allocation of the university renewal fund.

The union cautioned that it would restart strikes without warning if no specific actions were implemented within a month.

However, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated that the government had fulfilled the union's requests.

Two weeks ago, while addressing State House reporters, the minister restated the President's previous instruction that there should be no strikes in public universities, mentioning that discussions were underway and that the government was making every effort possible to ensure students remained in school.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).