President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday issued a marching order to Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment to end the three-month-old nationwide strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Ngige disclosed this in Abuja, at the resumed negotiation with the leadership of ASUU led by its president, Biodun Ogunyemi.
“The President has directed me to pass the night here until all issues have kept our children away from school are resolved ad strike called off.
“He (Buhari) has also directed me to impress upon you, the imperative of little sacrifice from all sides, knowing fully well that the revenue of the Federation has dwindled from what it was before the present administration assumed office,” Ngige said.
According to Ngige, President Buhari expressed concern over the situation prevailing in the university system, hence his steady and holistic approach to tackling the rot through adequate funding, notwithstanding the dwindling accruals.
“The President told me to assure you of his determination to reposition our universities as he would do everything possible to cast the present challenges in our tertiary education to the dustbin of history,” the Minister said.
Details later…
KEHINDE AKINTOLA, Abuja
