‘What FG Must Do To End ASUU Strike’- Senator Sam Egwu

Senator representing Ebonyi North, Sam Egwu, on Friday urged the Federal Government to find a way of resolving the current industrial action embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

The former Ebonyi State Governor made the appeal while addressing journalists at Umuebe, in Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.

Egwu noted that incessant strikes by lecturers were undermining the credibility of graduates produced by universities in the country.

Urging both ASUU and government to find a lasting solution to the impasse, the onetime Minister of Education said both students and parents were seriously affected.

The lawmaker stated that in spite of the current recession, the federal government should show considerable commitment toward implementing the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding entered with ASUU.

He said, “The spate of strike actions in the nation’s institutions of higher learning is disturbing.

“A common ground should be explored by both FG and ASUU with a view to resolving all contending issues leading to strike.

“The 2009 ASUU/FG agreement was signed under my tenure as the minister of education.

“We signed the agreement because we believed its implementation will help improve the standard and quality of university education in the country.

“What I am saying is that the present administration should show considerable goodwill in commencing the implementation of the agreement.

“The country is facing some difficult economic challenges in view of the current recession.

“However, it should equally consider the conditions of the lecturers, fate of the Nigerian universities and the students.

“Let the government start from somewhere; it may not implement 100 per cent of the agreement at once, but it must show considerable commitment.

“ASUU on its part should show patriotism and stop adopting strike action as the last option for pushing forward its demand.

“The two parties must reach a compromise anchored on constructive dialogue and engagement to steer through and permanently end the incessant universities strike in Nigeria.’’