Labour Day: Lawan Appeal For Speedy End To University Workers, ASUU Strike

Labour Day – Nigerian Senate President, Ahmad Lawan on Saturday called for a speedy and amicable resolution to the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

iexclusivenews reports that Lawan made the call in a statement celebrating Nigerian workers on the occasion of this year’s May Day.

This online news outlet understands that the statement was signed by his spokesperson, Ola Awoniyi.

“Nigerian workers deserve our appreciation and respect for their contributions to the development of our country,” Lawan said. 

“I also salute them for their patriotic cooperation with the government and other institutions in the collective efforts to address societal challenges.

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“There is no gainsaying the fact that Labour creates wealth for the nation, the more reason that the welfare of the Nigerian workers should always be accorded priority.

“As Parliament, the National Assembly will continue to partner with the Organised Labour in addressing issues that affect workers and the generality of the Nigerian people.

“Despite the prevailing challenges, the relationship between Labour and the Government should be cooperative in the overall interest of the country.

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“In the spirit of May Day, I appeal for a speedy and amicable resolution of the ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) to ensure that our universities reopen for learning and research.

“We should always be mindful that no society can make meaningful progress without industrial peace and harmony.

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“Once again, I say congratulations to all Nigerian workers and wish them a happy May Day.”

On February 14, ASUU began a four-week warning strike.

The union prolonged the strike for another two months on March 14 to allow the government to satisfy all of its requests.

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Academics are demanding better working conditions, the revitalization of public universities, and academic autonomy, among other things.

The non-payment of university revitalisation monies, which total roughly N1.1 trillion, is a source of frustration for academics.

However, the Nigerian government has stated that it does not have the funds to pay such a sum, blaming low oil prices during President Muhammadu Buhari’s term.

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According to reports, the agreement was reached in 2009.

The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System is another concern (IPPIS).

The University Transparency and Accountability Solution, presented by academics, is an alternative payroll system (UTAS).