ASUU Strike: Action To End Soon As Union, Government Finally Shift Grounds

Having kept Nigerians in the dark for more than 48 hours after a meeting between the Federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities ,ASUU, there are indications that the prolonged strike may be called off in a matter of days.

A presidential source had disclosed to DailyPost that President Jonathan’s appearance at the last meeting played a major role in pacifying the minds of the Union members who accepted certain conditions on behalf of their members just for the respect of Mr. President.

The source said that the ASUU representatives commended Jonathan’s presence at the meeting and promised the presidential team that they would go back and talk to their members on the need to empathise with the government, and reasonably shift ground.

A source who pleaded not to be mentioned in the print said, ” The ASUU President and other representative at the meeting were full of praises for Mr. President who had decided to personally intervene in the strike. They commended his presence and promised to get back to the presidency after the Union’s executive meeting. But from every indication, ASUU is happy with the new approach by the government.”

Speaking on when the strike may likely be called off, he said, ” probably before the end of next week. You know, their decision will take series of consultations with other executive members and chapters’ chairmen. The truth is that there is hope, and very soon, our children will return to school.”

He had disclosed further that Jonathan was very pleased with the Union leaders after they gave several reasons on why they had remained adamant even with government’s several offers.

He said ” Mr. President was very pleased with the ASUU leadership for their openness and willingness to dialogue. He was very happy that even with their genuine case, they were willing to shift ground, just like the government shifted ground. The meeting outcome remains confidential, but I assure you that both ASUU and the Federal government were satisfied at the end”

Recall that a meeting between the Federal government and ASUU held on Monday and President Jonathan led the Federal Government’s delegation. Also with the President were; Vice President, Namadi Sambo; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike; and Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu.

On the other hand, the ASUU delegation was led by its President, Dr. Nasiru Fagge; past presidents such as Professor Abdulahi Sule-Kano, Dr. Dipo Fashina and Professor Festus Iyayi.

Other members of the delegation were Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, Prof. Victor Osodeke, Prof. Suleiman Abdul, Dr. Victor Igbum and Mr. Michael Odunmoraye.

President NLC, Abdulawahid Omar and TUC, Bobboi Kaigama.