The Nigerian Government and the national leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally reached an understanding towards ending the five months strike declared by university lecturers.
The Supervising Minister of Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and the ASUU leadership have met at the Conference Room of the Federal Ministry of Education on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 where the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding.
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike described the ceremony as his happiest moment since assumption of office as Supervising Minister of Education; adding that it was a great relief for the Federal Government and ASUU to have resolved all the contending issues to the satisfaction of both parties.
The Minister acknowledged that the struggle by ASUU was a patriotic effort towards improving the quality of education delivery; saying it was a “no victor no vanquish encounter.”
The National President of ASUU, Nasir Fagge assured that the document signed would be discussed at the National Executive Council of the union within one week, expressing optimism that his members would do the right thing.
According to him, the strike would not have lasted this long if the government had agreed to demonstrate practical commitment to the outcome of the meeting which the union held with President Goodluck Jonathan and other stakeholders. He stressed that the desire of the union is to ensure that Nigerian universities are at par with their counterparts globally.
Nasir Fagge thanked the President, members of the National Assembly, parents and other Nigerians for their concern while the strike lasted; noting that their struggle should not be seen as a mark of disrespect for their exalted offices.
Also, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, MacJohn Nwaobiala expressed hope that since ASUU has agreed to sign the pact; it means that the strike has been called off. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions towards resolving the issues in contention.
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