November 16, (THEWILL) – The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the federal government to open discussions with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to avert another nationwide strike by the Union.
The call followed the adoption of a motion on matters of urgent public importance brought by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere.
The House therefore urged “the federal government to urgently take all necessary measures to open a realistic negotiation with ASUU to stop the strike and implement the signed agreements in the interest of our students, their parents, the education sector and the Country.”
The lawmaker noted with dismay that “once again, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria is threatening to proceed on another industrial action on a matter that has been on the front burner for so long:
“The implementation of negotiated and signed Agreements with the Federal Government.
“Note also that the federal government has not been quite forthcoming, neither has it attached any consistent seriousness to the urgent need to reposition and refocus the education sector in line with our developmental objectives.
“Aware that the ASUU president has threatened to call out his members across the nation, if all the issues, including those of unpaid academically earned allowances and the universities revitalisation fund are not addressed within a period of 3 weeks.
“Further aware that the future of Nigerian students, once again, will be negatively impacted, if this impending strike by ASUU is not nipped in the bud by the federal government.
“Recognising that incessant strikes disrupt the academic calendar and contribute significantly to the poor quality of graduates in the Country, with far-reaching implications for national development;
“Also acknowledging that strikes encourage brain drain, migration of students abroad and low world rankings of our academic institutions;
“Embarrassed that the federal government has, since the last strike was called off in December, 2020 continued to pass the buck, make excuses and engage in diversions and distractions rather than meet the terms of the agreement it signed with the Union.”
The lawmakers lamented the perennial nature of industrial disputes between ASUU and successive governments in Nigeria.
The Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha said if ASUU is allowed to go on strike, it would affect so many people; adding that it is wrong for the federal government to sign an agreement and later renege.
In his contribution, Hon. Nicholas Ossai said the time has come for the National Assembly to put certain sectors in the first line charge.
On his part, the Chief Whip, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, said the House should take the bull by the horn by taking advantage of the ongoing budget defense to vote more money for the sector.
The lawmaker noted that It is the responsibility of the House to make sure that the education sector is well-funded.
However, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, said the issue was not about funding, saying funding is already there.
He said both the Ministers of Finance and Education are passing the bulk of where the money is.
Gbajabiamila ruled that: “The Committees on Education, Tertiary and Basic should investigate and report back to the House. I will meet with the Minister of Finance, Minister of Education, and representatives of ASUU in my office on Thursday.”
