The Federal Government yesterday has assured that despite the National Industrial Court of Nigeria order to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its seven months strike, the negotiations with the university teachers will continue.
The government also said it would soon direct vice-chancellors of universities to reopen their institutions in compliance with the order.
However, Femi Falana who is the counsel to ASUU’ yesterday said that the union will appeal the judgment by the Industrial Court.
Parents and students also differed on the court’s ruling, which the government said was a no-victor, no-vanquished decision.
While parents said the ruling was a welcome development, the students described it as a betrayal of equity.
Describing the ruling, Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige, stated that it was in the nation’s best interest, adding that ASUU members “should do the needful and get back to the classrooms.”
Ngige, who received members of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) in his office in Abuja, added that “the government will order the vice-chancellors and pro-chancellors to reopen the universities in line with the court order.”
His words: “The ruling is in the best interest of the nation. It is a win-win situation for all of us- government, students, lecturers- all Nigerians indeed. I have just gotten the court order asking ASUU to go back to work. It is a sound judgment. It is no victor, no vanquished.
“You doctors in academics are for now members of ASUU, but, you are here, even though you have dissociated yourself and are working. We want to thank you for working and teaching your students.
“The court ruling does not preclude us from going on with further negotiation and consultations. The pro-chancellors met Mr. President and made some demands, such as topping up government offers and seeing whether there could be some bailout.
“Mr. President (Muhammadu Buhari) said in considering it, he will consult stakeholders. So, he is going to consult everybody.”
Ngige welcomed the intervention of the House of Representatives in the ASUU imbroglio, saying he was happy that the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the legislators were going to meet the President.
“If they have shown interest now, it is good and wonderful. When they bring that proposal, the Executive will not have any problem. ASUU should also know that this is a step in the right direction. And all these things have been promised by the Minister of Education (Adamu Adamu) at their last meeting with him.”
