FG Vs ASUU: Alumni Association Writes Minister Over Closure Of Universities For 9 Months

The Association of Nigeria Universities Alumni has written to the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, seeking to  participate in the subsequent negotiations between the Federal Government team and the Academic Staff Union of Universities over the ongoing strike.

A copy of the  letter  signed by the Chairman of ANUA, Dr Olawale Fasakin and Geberal Secretary, Alhaji  Mohammed Wada, was made available to our correspondent on Tuesday.

The alumni association expressed concern that the strike had been on for about nine months, saying the involvement of its officials in negotiations would bring a solution to the impasse.

 The letter read in part, “We  hereby expresses our readiness to participate in the next round of negotiation between government team and the Academic Staff Union of Universities in respect of the 

impasse that has led to the closure of Nigeria’s citadels of learning for the 9th month running and we hereby request your permission to be so invited to participate in the said negotiation.

“ANUA, attending as a stakeholder in matters concerning university education in Nigeria, will positively contribute to the resolution of outstanding issues by bringing the knowledge and experience of its members to bear. In their individual 

capacities, the members of ANUA have been contributing to the advancement of education in the relevant institutions and we believe we will be able to bring our collective wealth of experience to bear in so far as the discussions between the government and ASUU is concerned.

” It is our firm conviction that university education in Nigeria will be open to better stories to tell if the government, trade unions in universities and alumni bodies of universities work hand-in-hand.

“Therefore, our interest lies, strongly, in encouraging the two sides to find a mutually agreeable position in resolving outstanding issues. However, we will only be able to do that when we are physically present to make our presentations to the parties while also witnessing interactions between the two sides and note first hand the stand-point and boarder lines of each side.”