The Federal Government has inaugurated a new renegotiation committee tasked with reviewing the 2009 agreements with university-based unions, in an effort to resolve ongoing disputes. The inauguration took place in Abuja, where the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, urged the committee to focus on realistic and practical terms that could be successfully implemented.
Professor Mamman acknowledged that previous agreements had failed due to unfeasible demands. He emphasized the committee’s responsibility to renegotiate agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
The committee’s terms of reference include consulting with relevant stakeholders, renegotiating the 2009 agreement in realistic terms, and addressing other issues aimed at improving the competitiveness of Nigeria’s university system globally. The Minister also assured that the committee would work closely with the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki, to guide the renegotiation process.
Professor Mamman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing a stable and globally competitive educational system.
Chairman’s Commitment
The committee, chaired by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Pro-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, promised dedication to restoring industrial harmony between the government and the university unions. Ahmed assured the government of the committee’s resolve to critically assess both union and government positions, and to provide honest feedback where necessary.
“We will thoroughly assess the demands of ASUU and other unions, and where we feel they need reconsideration, we will communicate that. Equally, if the government lacks commitment to implementation, we will not hesitate to address that,” Ahmed stated.
ASUU’s Response
The President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed hope that the newly reconstituted committee would be more effective than its predecessors. He emphasized the need for the renegotiation process to consider current realities and be concluded swiftly.
“We appreciate the government and the minister for setting up this committee. We hope it will not be like the previous ones,” Osodeke said.
Committee Timeline
The seven-member committee, which includes distinguished academics, politicians, and diplomats, has been given a three-month timeline to produce a new draft agreement. Members of the committee are: Dr. Mahmud Yayale Ahmed (Chairman), Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso, Senator Professor Nora Daduut, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, Professor Ignatius Onimao, Senator Joshua Lidani, and Professor Ayodeji Omole.
