FG Takes New Step To End ASUU Strike

The federal government has taken a courageous step to apologize to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, over disagreements that led to its lingering strike.

Naija News understands that the government appealed to the striking lecturers on Friday in a statement by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu.

The minister said the government was sorried for failing to respond to their demands on time.

Adam who spoke at a reconciliatory meeting in Abuja organized by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, begged the varsity union to forgive the ministry for all its past sins.

A part of the statement handed down by his permanent secretary read: “We want to let you know that whatever sins the Ministry had committed before should be forgiven. We have repented and we will not sin anymore. We want you to see us as partners in progress.

“It is in that spirit of forgiveness of the just ended Ramadan fast that we feel that we fixed the meeting to discuss and resolve the issues,” it added.

Mallam Adamu suggested a new round of negotiations to be reopened, Naija News understands.

Recall that Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, a few weeks ago formally made public his intention to contest for presidency in the 2023 general election.

Naija News reports that Ngige declared his Presidential ambition on Friday, April 19 before a mammoth crowd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Alor, Idemili South local government area of Anambra State.

Ngige described himself as an aspirant well equipped with years of administrative experience due to his 40 years of experience in the public service.

The Minister said he has a huge wealth of experience, capacity and energy as well as a large heart to accommodate the differences among Nigerians.