ASUU: Embrace Negotiations, Shun Strike, Buhari Tasks Trade Unions

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other trade unions to embrace negotiations to drive home their demands and shun strike.

Buhari made this call at the 74th Foundation Day and Convocation Ceremonies of University of Ibadan (UI) in Ibadan on Thursday.

Represented by Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), the President lauded themanagement of the university for maintaining its reputation since establishment.

He further commended the institution for producing academic staff for tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria and for its leading role in post graduate education.

He emphasised the need for stability and discipline in universities as they determine the future of any nation.

Buhari said the prolonged strike actions by university trade unions disrupted the academic calendar and had consequences on the economy.

“There is a need for the trade unions, especially ASUU, to shun the weapon of strike as a tool for pressing home their demands.

“Strike only compounds the already poor state of our education sector, and erodes the national and international reputation of our public universities,” he siad.

He further advised the private sector not to hold back its support for the education sector, noting that the government cannot do it alone.