By Seth Akande
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has declared that President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has not failed in playing its roles in the education sector.
Ngige maintained that the Federal Government has dealt with most of the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
He made this known on Thursday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Recall that ASUU had last month embarked on a one-month strike, seeking improved welfare, revitalisation of public universities and academic autonomy among others.
Reacting to the demands, the Minister said, “A lot of them have been dealt with after our meeting in October last year. That’s why I said I was shocked they went on strike.
“The only place where they have a point to hold onto and do their strike is on the issue of renegotiation of 2009 — conditions of service, because their conditions of service was supposed to be reviewed.”
While commenting on the non-payment of university revitalisation funds, which amounts to about N1.1 trillion, Mr Ngige said the “Federal Government doesn’t have the money to pay such an amount.”
On whether the strike would be called off, he said if an agreement is reached with ASUU then the goodness should follow up.
He, however, expressed hope that the union will call of the strike soon so that students can return to the classroom.
“I am hoping for ASUU to give the good news. We have fixed a timeline on this, and what it means is that if the various committees in education and salaries have failed to do what they are to do, but I don’t think they will fail because the agreement committee is what I am particular about because that will give ASUU more money for their salaries and allowances.”
The Minster also encouraged students to take up skill set activities to help boost what they can offer.