Strike: FG, ASUU shift grounds

THERE are strong indications that the
protracted strike by Academic Staff
Union of Universities, ASUU, that has
crippled academic activities for over
four months may end in the next one
week, Vanguard has gathered.
Vanguard sources at the Monday night <!-- more -->
meeting between the Federal
Government led by President Goodluck
Jonathan, the leadership of ASUU,
Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and
Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC,
said both the Federal Government and
leaders of ASUU had shifted grounds
and leaders of ASUU would meet with
its organ (National Executive Council) to
brief members of the outcome and
then take necessary action.
One of the sources told Vanguard:
"Both the Federal Government and the
leadership of ASUU are now on the
same page. Both parties have shifted
grounds. The leadership of ASUU will
now meet with its appropriate organ to
brief its members and take the
necessary action.
President Goodluck Jonathan (left);
ASUU Vice President, Mr. Biodun
Ogunyemi Onabanjo (2nd right); Vice
President Namadi Sambo (2nd left) and
ASUU President, Nasir Faggae (right)
during the meeting.
"ASUU is in the right position to inform
the public after meeting with its organ.
However, I can tell you that all things
being equal, the strike should be over
in the next one week."
The meeting between the government
and the labour leaders started at about
2:30pm on Monday and ended at
about 3:30am on Tuesday with a 15
minutes break.
Fagge, Wogu speak
National President of ASUU, Dr. Nasir
Isa Fagge, emerged from the meeting
and curtly told newsmen that his
delegation was taking back a message
from President Jonathan to their
members.
He declined to disclose what the
message was and when asked whether
he was satisfied with the outcome of
the meeting, the ASUU leader told
journalists not to put words in his
mouth.
He said: "We have had a lengthy
meeting with Mr. President, rubbing
minds on how best to address the
problem of university education in this
country.