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T he Federal Government has sought the support of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to ensure that the country runs smooth academic sessions free of strikes. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the appeal after a meeting with the union’s leadership. She urged the union leaders to join forces with the government for national progress.
A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Olajide Oshundun, said the minister told ASUU leadership, led by its President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, that she believed in mutual understanding between the union and the government to move the country towards the same progressive direction.
She expressed worry about unending disputes in the nation’s academic system, saying: “We should be part of the process to ensure such actions are averted.” The minister called for “proactive problem-solving rather than reactive conflict resolution”. Onyejeocha extended an open invitation for dialogue and complete transparency to ASUU.
The minister urged the union to allow the ministry to know its problems, noting that by prioritising open communication and proactive problem-solving, both parties could work together to ensure a smooth academic session in 2024 and beyond.
She said this would eventually paved the way for a vibrant and flourishing educational landscape. Onyejeocha said: “I crave your indulgence to allow the ministry to know all the issues you think we should know. I want us to be on the same page, from item one to the last, for the sake of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Labour Ministry is not supposed to be reactive but be proactive. We should be part of the process to make sure that every issue is addressed. I am a product of the university system. We want to be on the same page because of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We have to move at the same pace. I believe that we can move in the same direction.”
The minister urged ASUU leaders to consider the current economic realities when presenting their demands. She called for pragmatism on past agreements between the union and government, suggesting that some demands might need re-evaluation in the light of the nation’s financial constraints.
(punchng.com)
