FG Sets up Panel to Renegotiate 2009 ASUU Agreement

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government on Monday inaugurated a seven-person committee tasked with the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The panel is chaired by the Pro-Chancellor of Alex Ekweme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs.

Other members are Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Wukari, Arc. Lawrence Patrick Ngbale, who represents North East; Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Prof. Funmi Togunu-Bickersteth, representing South West and Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja, Senator Chris Adighije, representing South East.

Also on the team are Pro-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Olu Obafemi from North-Central; Pro-Chancellor, Kano State University of Science & Technology, Prof. Zubairu Iliyasu, representing North West; and Pro-Chancellor, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Mathew Seiyefa from South-South.

The team has three months to renegotiate the 2009 ASUU agreement.

ASUU is currently on a one-month warning strike which commenced on February 14 after discussions with the Muhammadu Buhari-led government materialised no result.

The academics are seeking improved welfare, revitalisation of public universities and academic autonomy among other demands.

The Committee, which is expected to review the draft proposed FGN/ASUU Agreement, has the following Terms of Reference:

Liaise and consult with relevant stakeholders to finalise the position of the Federal Government to the issues in the draft proposed FGN/ASUU Renegotiated Agreement;

2. Renegotiate in realistic and workable terms the 2009 Agreements with other University-Based Unions;