°°°Strike May End Soon

The Federal Government has approved over N35.4 billion for the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The union and the federal government reached the agreement on Monday, after a two-hour meeting in Abuja.

The government agreed to release N15.4 billion in salary shortfall for the University teachers.

The union is expected to call off its indefinite strike action any time from now. Chris Ngige, the minister of labour and employment, who disclosed the news of the agreement said President Buhari has released N15.4 billion to cover the shortfalls in public universities.

According to him, the accountant general and the ministry of finance have confirmed the release of the funds. He said President Buhari has approved N20 billion for settling outstanding arrears from 2009 to 2012 due to the universities.

While the staff union has been on strike action for two months running, ASUU is expected to return back to Government between Wednesday, 9th or Thursday, 10th January, 2019 to sign relevant agreements reached by the parties.

Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, ASUU President who confirmed the agreement however noted that some of the proposals from government requires further consultation with ASUU members.

The final decision of the striking lecturers will be communicated to the public after the said meeting.