We're not aware of alleged N15.89bn paid by FG to varsities —ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities says it has not been briefed on the alleged payment of N 15 . 89 bn to universities by the Federal Government, two months after it embarked on strike .

The union ’ s National President , Prof . Biodun Ogunyemi , disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos.
The unionist was reacting to reports that the Federal Government had, on December 31 , 2018 , released N 15 . 89 bn to universities.

The report stated that the fund was for the payment of shortfall in salaries of universities.
“ Well, someone actually drew my attention to the report. I have not received any formal letter from the Federal Government conveying such information to us .
“ The only information I got from the Minister of Labour this afternoon when we spoke was that they have done something concerning our demands ; what they have done, I do not know .
“ The other thing he told me was that there is going to be a meeting between us (ASUU) and government on Monday.

“ It is only when we get to the meeting that we will be able to know what government has done and if it is okay by us , then we will convey same to our members who will now take the next line of action , ” he said.
Recall that members of the union had , on November 4 , 2018 , embarked on what they had described as ‘ comprehensive, total and indefinite nationwide strike’ to press home their demands .

The striking lecturers were protesting against alleged non -implementation of agreements they entered into with the Federal Government in 2013 and 2017 .
They were also agitating the poor welfare , poor funding , and general decay in education infrastructure , among others .

Since the commencement of the strike, members of the union had met with the Federal Government six times , to find a way forward to the issues, all ending in a deadlock .

(NAN) .


Don't forget to drop your comment below↓↓↓