CEM REPORT, EDUCATION | Riding on the back of the court order the federal government has directed vice-chancellors to reopen the universities across the country.
Although the federal government said nobody won or lost in the ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), it added that all parties should respect the position of the Industrial Court in the national interest.
According to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, the court ruling does not preclude further negotiation between the federal government and the universities’ lecturers.
“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 order of the court 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 you are working. We want to thank you for working and teaching your students.”
Ngige also welcomed the intervention of the House of Representatives in the ASUU issue.
He said the intervention was timely adding that he was delighted the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila was going to meet the President on the matter.
He also added that whatever funding would be easily added into the 2023 appropriation.
“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 to them by the Minister of Education at their last meeting with him. For me, they should do the needful and get back to the classroom.”
“And all these things have been promised them by the Minister of Education at their last meeting with him. For me, they should do the needful and get back to the classroom.”
He said the government would order the vice-chancellors to reopen the universities in compliance with the order of the court.
