The Federal Government has solicited a good working relationship with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), to ensure issues of strikes were averted in the nation’s ivory tower.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the call on Monday night during a round table discussion between the federal government and the leadership of ASUU on the way forward to ensure a smooth academic session in Nigeria in 2024 and beyond
The minister urged the leadership of ASUU to join forces with the government for the sake of national progress, adding that it was time every sector of the country, including education, moved at the same pace to achieve the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Olajide Oshundun, Onyejeocha said apart from being a product of the university system, her desire was to shift the role of the ministry of labour and employment beyond simply mediating disputes during strikes.
“We should be part of the process to ensure such actions are averted”, she declared, advocating proactive problem-solving, rather than reactive conflict resolution”.
While craving the indulgence of the union to allow the ministry know its problems, the minister said she believed that with mutual understanding, the two parties could work together to move the country in the same direction.
Addressing the leadership of the union, led by its President, Comrade Emmanuel Osodeke, Onyejeocha extended an open invitation for dialogue and complete transparency.
She noted that by prioritizing open communication and proactive problem-solving, both parties could work together to ensure a smooth academic session in 2024 and beyond, paving the way for a vibrant and flourishing educational landscape.
“I crave your indulgence to allow the ministry to know all the issues you think we should know. I want us to be on the same page, from item one to the last, for the sake of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Labour ministry is not supposed to be reactive but be proactive. We should be part of the process to make sure that every issue is addressed.
“I am a product of the university system. We want to be on the same page because of the renewed hope agenda”, she said.
Emphasizing the critical role of education in the nation’s future, Onyejeocha reiterated the need for unity and shared direction.
“We have to move at the same pace. I believe we can move in the same direction”, she said.
Demonstrating President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to reviving Nigeria’s education system, the Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to prioritizing education, pointing to the recent “student loan approval” as a tangible example.
She told ASUU leaders to consider the current economic realities when framing their demands.
While acknowledging past agreements, she appealed for pragmatism, suggesting that some goals might need reevaluation in light of the nation’s financial constraints.
