The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members who were on strike were told to report to work by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), and the Federal Government announced that no one had won or lost in this decision.
Sen. Chris Ngige, the minister of labor and employment, made the proclamation on Wednesday while hosting members of the NAMDA, the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics.
Additionally, Ngige reaffirmed that the court’s decision did not bar further talks between the Federal Government and ASUU.
The Minister stated that in accordance with the court’s order, the government would direct the vice chancellors to reopen the universities.
“The government will order the vice chancellors and pro chancellors to reopen the universities in line with the court order,” Ngige said.
He added: “The ruling is in the best interest of the nation. It is a win-win situation for all of us- government, students, lecturers- all Nigerians indeed. I have just gotten the court order asking ASUU to go back to work.It is a sound judgment. It is no victor, no vanquished. You doctors in academics are for now members of ASUU, but, you are here, even though you have dissociated yourself and you are working. We want to thank you for working and teaching your students.
“The court ruling does not preclude us from going on with further negotiation and consultations. The pro-chancellors met Mr. President and made some demands, such as topping up government offers and seeing whether there could be some bailout. Mr. President said in considering it, he will consult stakeholders. So, he is going to consult everybody.”
Ngige applauded the House of Representatives’ involvement in the ASUU controversy and expressed his satisfaction that Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila had indicated they will see the President.
He added that any additional funds would be added to the 2023 appropriation, where the National Assembly would have a role, and that the intervention was opportune given that the President must also have contacted some stakeholders.
“If they have shown interest now, it is good and wonderful. When they bring that proposal, the Executive will not have any problem. ASUU should also know that this is a step in the right direction. And all these things have been promised by the Minister of Education at their last meeting with him. For me, they (university lecturers) should do the needful and get back to the classrooms.”
