The Federal Government on Friday
apologized to Nigerian students and
parents over the prolonged strike
embarked upon by the Academic Staff
Union of Universities, ASUU
The leadership of the public University
teachers early hours of Friday
conditionally suspended the eight
month strike it embarked upon on
February 14 as a result of the
government’s failure to attend to some
of their concerns.
The federal government through the
Ministry of Labour and Employment
expressed gratitude to all Nigerians
who participated in various ways in
the negotiations leading to the calling
off of the strike.
A statement by the Deputy Director
Press in the Ministry, Olajide
Oshundun, assured Nigerians that with
the steps the federal government is
taking, Nigerian students will be saved
the unpalatable experience of
intermittent, prolonged industrial
actions in future.
According to the statement, “In a
special way, the Minister of Labour
and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige
expresses gratitude to the Honourable
Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and
the leadership of the House of the
House of Representatives.
“We particularly recognize the
patriotic efforts of the Sultan of
Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, the
former President of the Christian
Association of Nigeria, Rev. Supo
Ayokunle, all members of Nigeria
Inter Religious Council (NIREC) and
the Catholic Bishops Conference of
Nigeria whose wisdom and
intervention raised a ray of hope while
the strike was at infancy but for
ASUU’s intransigence to negotiation.
“We were forced to migrate the matter
to the National Industrial Court of
Nigeria (NICN) created by the 1999
Constitution as amended, for the
settlement of industrial disputes
because every channel of negotiation
including the tripartite plus, in which
eminent Nigerians participated in
failed. ASUU Strike: FG Apologizes To Students, Parents, Guardians Over Prolonged Strike. Trade Disputes Act.CAP T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 on
dispute resolution mechanism in
seeking the intervention of the
National Industrial Court.
FAQs
1. Why has the Federal Government (FG) apologized regarding the ASUU strike?
Answer: The Federal Government issued an apology to students, parents, and guardians because the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) disrupted academic calendars, delayed graduations, and caused uncertainty in the education sector. The apology acknowledges the inconvenience and hardship caused to all stakeholders in the tertiary education system.
2. What is the current status of the ASUU strike?
Answer: As of the latest update, the ASUU strike is ongoing, with negotiations between the union and the Federal Government continuing. While there have been attempts to resolve the issues related to funding, salaries, and university autonomy, no final agreement has yet been reached to fully resume academic activities.
3. How are students and parents advised to cope during the strike?
Answer: Students and parents are advised to stay informed about updates from their universities and official government channels. It is recommended for students to use this period for self-study, online learning, and skill development. Parents and guardians should provide emotional support and encourage productive use of the time while awaiting resolution.
4. What steps is the FG taking to end the strike?
Answer: The Federal Government is engaging ASUU through dialogue, offering proposed agreements on outstanding salary arrears, funding for revitalization of public universities, and welfare improvements for academic staff. The FG also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with state governments and university management to ensure a lasting resolution.