ASUU: NLC Gives FG 21 Days To Address Union's Demands

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to make provisions to immediately address the demands of the Academic Union of Universities (ASUU) within 21 days.

ASUU had commenced the strike action in February to ensure the content of its agreement with the Federal Government were met.

On Wednesday, a statement was jointly signed by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, and the General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, on Wednesday, after a meeting with the Academic Staff Union of Universities; the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions; the National Association of Academic Technologists; and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities on Tuesday.

In the statement, the body said it would host a special meeting including the Central Working Committee of all the associate unions of the NLC to decide on what action to take.

The congress also called on the FG to organise a high-powered panel with members who have what it takes to resolve the issues positively affecting tertiary institutions in the country within 21 days.

Issues including the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement , lack of payment of minimum wage and earned allowances for academic and non-academic staff, and agreement on university union worker's payment platform.

The congress expressed its worry at the lack of implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreements signed  by the Federal government with respective bodies and the prolonged industrial actions by the Federal tertiary education system.

“In the light of the foregoing concerns, the meeting resolved as follows: Called on the Federal Government to immediately set up a high-powered panel comprising members with requisite mandates to resolve within 21 days the foregoing issues militating against industrial harmony in Nigeria’s university system.

“Pursuant to the foregoing resolution, the Nigeria Labour Congress would be convening a special meeting of the Central Working Committee of all the affiliate unions of the Congress to decide on the next line of action.” the statement read.