- As NIREC seeks resumption of talks
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to honouring agreements reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
He spoke in Abuja while receiving members of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) led by its co-chairs, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle.
Buhari said the decision to honour the agreements was to prevent disruptive strikes, engender uninterrupted academic programmes and improve funding of educational institutions.
He lauded the leadership of NIREC for intervening in the year-long strike by ASUU and holding consultations with the parties, saying no society which wishes itself well neglects its educational system and all its component parts.
Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, said NIREC should, in its subsequent consultations with members of ASUU, tell them that the government regards them and the service they provide to the nation very highly.
“My administration is committed to this engagement and dialogue, and I urge them to stay the course towards a joint resolution in the best interest of our children and nation,” he said.
CAN President, while speaking on behalf of the council, said the meeting with Buhari was to avert strikes in the universities and the challenges of ASUU.
The NIREC leadership, while acknowledging that some of the issues had been addressed by the government, appealed to Buhari to direct immediate return to the table to conclude the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement.
