ASUU Strike: FG, ASUU Continue Negotiations

Another round of discussions and negotiations between Federal Government’s NEEDS assessment committee and theAcademic Staff Union of Universities has begun in the Federal Capital Territory.In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the committee, Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue state expressed hope that the two bodies will reach an agreement and suspend the industrial action.However, the president of ASUU, Dr.Nasir Fagge said the union is opened to discussions on the funding of the education sector in Nigeria.It would be recalled that talks between both parties has hit birk walls severally with the recent one earlier in the month, as Professor Nasir Faggae vowed that the union would not succumb to any pressure to call off its six weeks old strike if all its demands are not met by the government.Mr. Fagge told journalists in Abuja that although negotiations have continued, there’s nothing yet on thetable. He said the union remains resolute in sustaining the ongoing strike action to ensure that the topical issues affecting the nation’s university system are tackled decisively once and for all.However, the chairman of the NeedsAssessment Committee of the Nigerian Universities, Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue state saysthe public holidays have stalled the smooth progress made so far, but ifall goes according to plan, the strikemay be called off next week and also assured Nigerians that the industrial dispute will be resolved.The President of ASUU, Professor Nasir Faggae was not under pressure to call off the strike,as he insisted that the union is resolute in sustaining the ongoing strike action if the issues in contention are not met.