The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) asserts that in its dispute with the federal government, it has always been willing to engage in talks that will result in a permanent resolution to all outstanding issues.
However, it regrets that there has been no resolution to the lengthy strike by its members for this long.
The unionist was responding to President Muhammadu Buhari’s 62nd Independence Day broadcast, in which he once more urged the lecturers on strike to resume teaching.
These were expressed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos by the association’s president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke.
The association has reportedly been on a national strike since February 14 according to NAN.
The association’s members are protesting the Federal Government’s refusal to implement the 2009 agreement they signed.
In addition, they demand a review of pay, greater funding, and service conditions.
Stakeholders with concerns have made several unsuccessful attempts to resolve the unresolved problems.
“Today, we are celebrating our independence as a nation, and I think it calls for deep reflection by all.
“This issue would have since been resolved if enough concern was shown at the early stage.
“We are not happy that our children have been at home for this length of time,” the ASUU president said.
According to NAN, President Buhari said in his Independence Day address to the country that his administration had taken all necessary steps since taking office in 2015 to guarantee that Nigeria was given a position in the comity of nations.
He claimed that his administration understood the value of an educated population as a solution to the majority of the problems the nation is currently facing.
“We have, therefore, pursued policies and implemented programmes designed to create a literate and proficient society that ensures that citizens are availed with opportunities for life-long achievements.
“I must confess that I am very pained by the recurring disruption to our tertiary education system and I am using this Independence Day celebration to reiterate my call on the striking ASUU members to return to the classroom while assuring them that I will deal with their contending issues within the limits of the scarce resources available.
“This administration has made appreciable progress in redressing these issues that have been lingering for over 11 years
“I want to also emphasize that this administration in the last seven years plus, has been able to turn Nigeria around for the better,” President Buhari said.
