The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed its readiness to resume negotiations with the Federal Government to resolve the ongoing two-week nationwide strike declared on Sunday.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, disclosed this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television, stating that the union has received encouraging signals from government officials indicating a willingness to return to the negotiation table.
“Today, I received calls from Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Chairman of the FG Negotiation Team, and the Minister of State for Labour, both expressing interest in resuming talks. ASUU is ready and willing,” Piwuna said.
He confirmed that the union is expecting official communication from the Implementation and Labour Monitoring (IALM) Committee by Monday night or Tuesday, and that ASUU will promptly respond to any invitation.
Strike and Tensions with FG
- ASUU’s strike stems from long-standing unresolved demands, despite government claims that all issues have been addressed.
- The Federal Government has criticised the strike as “unjustifiable” and threatened to enforce a “no work, no pay” policy.
- In response, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) condemned the threat, warning it undermines workers’ rights and pledged support for ASUU.
Prof. Piwuna stressed that strike action was a last resort, not a preferred option, and urged the government to clarify its stance if indeed all matters had been resolved.
“If there are no outstanding issues, why are we being contacted for further meetings?” he questioned.
