Nigeria’s Federal Government Inaugurates Renegotiation Committee Amid Strike Threat from ASUU

ABUJA, 16 October 2024 — In response to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)’s threat to initiate a nationwide strike over unresolved agreements, the Nigerian federal government has inaugurated a seven-member renegotiation committee. This committee is tasked with addressing the longstanding grievances related to the 2009 agreements between the government and university-based staff unions, including ASUU, NAAT, SSANU, and NASU.

The committee was inaugurated by Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who emphasized the need for the new agreements to reflect the current realities of the country. Dr. Yayale Ahmed, Chairman of the Pro-chancellors of federal universities, will lead the committee.

During the inauguration, Mamman acknowledged the progress made by previous committees but noted that the federal government must focus on creating realistic solutions. He stressed that insisting on outdated agreements could hinder improvements in Nigeria’s university rankings and overall educational standards.

The committee’s primary responsibilities include renegotiating the 2009 agreements in a manner that is both practical and relevant, as well as addressing any other issues that could enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities. They are expected to submit their proposed draft agreements within three months.

In a response to the committee’s formation, ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed willingness to collaborate and urged the committee to establish a timeline for achieving results promptly.

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