There has been indications that after today’s meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the four month strike of the lecturers may finally end. A meeting was held today between the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the President Goodluck Jonathan, at 2:40 pm inside the First Lady Conference Room, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
In attendance; the President, Vice President; Namadi Sambo, Minister of Finance; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Pius Anyim, Supervising Minister of Education; Nyesom Wike; and Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu among others. The chairman of ASUU; Dr. Nasir Isa Fagge, and other active members;Prof. Abdulahi Sule-Kano, Prof. Dipo Fashina and Prof. Festus Iyayi, Prof. Suleiman Abdul, and Prof. Abdullahi Sule-Kano were also present. The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulawahid Omar and that of the Trade Union Congress, Bobboi Kaigama were at the meeting.
Indications that the strike that is now into its 5th month may be resolved has emerged as the President said this while shaking hands with Fagge:
“My president, I hope it will end today. Our children have suffered enough. We must find a solution.”
And All those in attendance responded with a loud “amen.”
When greeting president the NLC President, Abdulwahab Omar said:
“My president with you around today, there will be no problem, our agreement is signed, sealed and delivered.”
This is the first meeting between the lecturers and Jonathan since the beginning of the strike. The Presidency took over negotiations with the striking lecturers September 19, with the Vice-President Namadi Sambo spearheading the FG side.
The lecturers were seen meeting among themselves in their bus during the break that started at 6.30 pm. No details of their discussion is known
We will keep you updated…