The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have disclosed plans to resume talks next week with the goal of reconciliation and ending the prolonged strike of Nigerian universities.
Speaking yesterday, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige noted that the many disputes in the first education sector could have been averted if the various unions involved took advantage of his open-door policy. Dropping the hint whilst making the opening remarks of the meeting between the government and officials of the National Association of Academic Technologies who are also on strike, he reiterated that such actions were the reason the health sector was currently enjoying an era of peace and tranquility.
The minister also criticized the rivalry between the education unions and stated that everyone was important to the continued well-being of the education system. Assurances were made that the federal government was treating all disputes in the sector with the utmost importance as they knew quite well that no one union could function effectively without the aid of the others.
In further statements, Senator Chris said: “If you are from any union, you don’t need to book an appointment to see me. The doctors started using that advantage and JOHESU also did the same. That is why the health sector is quiet.
“But the education unions do not take advantage of my open-door policy. We don’t have to cry over spilled milk. Let us look at your issues to see the ones we can handle immediately, the ones we can do in the short term, and the ones we can do in the long term.”
