The Association of Nigeria Universities Alumni, (ANUA), representing Alumni Associations of universities in Nigeria, has written to the Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige seeking involvement in the next round of negotiation between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The Alumni said by attending as a stakeholder in matters concerning university education in Nigeria, they would “positively contribute to the resolution of outstanding issues by bringing the knowledge and experience of its members to bear.”
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The letter to Ngige which was made available to Daily Trust was signed by the Chairman of ANUA, Dr. Stephen Olawale Fasakin, and General Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Wada.
Daily Trust reports that the FG and ASUU representatives are expected to resume talks again over the lingering strike.
In the letter dated Sunday, November 15th 2020 which was copied to the Minister of Education; the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), the Chairman, Committee of Vice-Chancellors, among other stakeholders, the Alumni association lamented the impasse in the negotiation which has kept universities closed in the last nine months.
ANUA also appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), “to tarry a bit” on its proposed nationwide protest to allow its proposed mediation.
It however asked the Minister of Labour to permit its team led by its Chairman, the General Secretary, and the Legal Officer to attend the next round of negotiation between the government and ASUU.
The association stated that its interest “lies, strongly, in encouraging the two sides to find a mutually agreeable position in resolving outstanding issues.”
According to ANUA, “we will only be able to do that when we are physically present to make our presentations to the parties while also witnessing interactions between the two sides and note first hand the stand-point and borderlines of each side.”
The letter read: “In their individual capacities, the members of ANUA have been contributing to the advancement of education in the relevant institutions and we believe we will be able to bring our collective wealth of experience to bear in so far as the discussions between the government and ASUU is concerned.
“It is our firm conviction that university education in Nigeria will be open to better stories to tell if the government, trade unions in universities and alumni bodies of universities work hand-in-hand.”
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