As the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike enters its sixth month on July 14, the Federal Government declares that no agreement has been reached, Charmingpro reports.
ASUU has been on strike since February 14, with tens of thousands of undergraduates walking out of universities.
The government declared on Wednesday that there was no Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) awaiting President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature.
Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, made the clarification in a statement issued by Olajide Oshundun, the ministry’s Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations.
Ngige accused ASUU President Prof. Victor Osodeke and ASUU branch leaders of misleading Nigerians.
Ngige stated that when a CBA is reached between unions and the federal government, it is not signed by the President.
“No such CBA has been reached between the Federal Government, ASUU, and other university unions regarding the renegotiation of their salaries and allowances” (wages).
“All that exists is a proposal.” Even when such an agreement is reached, it is not signed by the president. According to available records, no Nigerian President or sovereign signs such a document,” he explained.
Ngige stated that ASUU’s demand for better working conditions – wages, salaries, allowances, and other aspects of public service – would be guided by relevant government ministries and agencies.
The minister named the Ministries of Finance, Education, Labour and Employment, and the Federation’s Budget Office.
Others include the National Salaries Income and Wage Commission, the Federation’s Office of Head of Service, and the Prof. Nimi Briggs Committee.
Ngige stated that the team, like the Prof. Munzali Committee it replaced, is an internal Ministry of Education committee tasked with receiving ASUU’s demands and renegotiating the 2009 Agreement.