ABUJA – Barring any last minutes
change, academic activities may resume in public universities next week, as
Federal Government has approved over
N35.4 billion for the striking Academic
Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).In a resolution reached Monday night between the Federal Government and the leadership of ASUU at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja, the government announced that Federal Ministry of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation have confirmed payment of N15.389.940, 335.71 billion to accommodate payment of shortfall in all institutions that are Presidential Initiative of Continuous Audit, PICA varied.
The Minister of Labour and Employment who disclosed this at the end of the meeting said the money was remitted on the 31st December, 2018.
Ngige also said that President
Muhammadu Buhari has approved the payment of N20 billion for payment of
outstanding arrears of the 2009 and 2012 Earned Academic Allowances to the
already verified university system. “The money is being worked on and will be
released to ASUU when the process is completed,” he said.
He reiterated government’s resolve
to grant permanent licence to ASUU to operate the National University Pension
Fund Administrator Company (NUPENCO) that will manage the contributory pension
of public universities.
To this end, the Minister explained
that Federal Ministry of Education has been directed to liaise with National
Pension Commission for the release of the permanent licence.
Ngige also assured on the resolve of
the Buhari administration to offer undisclosed amount from the N220 billion
annual revitalisation fund for universities which was agreed during President
Goodluck Jonathan’s administration but was reneged on.
ASUU Strike: We are doing everything
possible to call it off – Education Minister
He said government was going to look
for funds and that a token which he did not disclose has been offered to the
union to demonstrate government as good faith.
According to him, ASUU is expected
to return back to Government between Wednesday, 9th or Thursday, 10th January,
2019 to sign relevant agreements reached by the parties.
While speaking Prof. Biodun
Ogunyemi, ASUU President who confirmed the agreement however noted that some of
the proposals from government requires further consultation with ASUU members.
“We have had an extensive session looking at all issues.
There are issues that require
further consultation at the level of our union before we can take a stand,” he
said.
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