The meeting between the federal government delegation led by Education Minister, Adamu Adamu; and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU on Monday, which was aimed at ending the ongoing strike embarked upon by university lecturers ended in a deadlock.
But ASUU president, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, told journalists at the end of the closed door meeting that lasted over four hours that negotiation was still on-going.
ASUU had in a statement issued on Sunday, vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met. “We met with the Minister of Education in line with our tradition to honour all invitations with openness to meaningful discussion of issues contained in our demand. So far, nothing concrete has come out of the meetings; rather it is still a projection of their ‘keep-them talking’ culture,” the statement signed by Ogunyemi read.
The union leader further warned university authorities against undermining the strike by organising or attending meetings, examinations, lectures, convocations, conferences or other activities during the strike.
ASUU accused government of insincerity in relating with the lecturers, threatening that any examination taken during the strike period would be challenged by the union after the strike, emphasising that: “Our commitment and integrity are the basis of our pride as Academics. We must avoid actions that undermine our struggle.”
The indefinite strike commenced on November 5, for reasons including government’s failure to adhere to previous agreements and poor funding of universities.
