The Senate has reiterated its commitment to ensure that the issues raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, are thoroughly addressed to prevent unnecessary hardship for Nigerian students.
The assurance came from the Senate’s Joint Committees on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, as well as Labour and Productivity, during a meeting with ASUU leadership over the ongoing warning strike.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Muhammad Dandutse, in his opening remarks, emphasized that the Senate takes ASUU’s concerns seriously due to the critical role universities play in shaping the nation’s future.
He said the Senate is highly committed to ensuring that ASUU receives the support it needs to thrive, noting that the purpose of the meeting is to engage in constructive dialogue, listen to ASUU’s concerns, and explore possible solutions.
Responding, the ASUU President Professor Christopher Piwuna said the main issues include sustainable funding for Universities, condition of service of academic staff, and autonomy and freedom of the Nigerian universities.
He said they achieved some progress with the Yayele Ahmed’s committee, but there are other issues to address, such as
Salary increase for staff, release funds for the universities for smooth and effective operations.
ASUU also appealed to the Senate to intervene on the University of Abuja’s land issue with the FCT Minister, assuring that as soon as the Federal Government released the 150 billion funds allocated to universities the university will be able to utilised it’s allocated land.
However, the leadership of the Senate also reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the problem is solved as soon as possible as explained by the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin in an interview shortly after the interactive session with the ASUU leadership
The joint committees of the Senate assured to deliver all the ASUU’S concerns to the leadership of the senate for onward deliberation for a lasting solution, appealing to parent to remain calm as they will do their best to ensure student go back to classes.
COV/ Bashir M
