By AAT
There are several indications that the Academic Staff Union of Universities,(ASUU) after series of negotiation with the federal Government team led by the Minister for Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige may call off the prolonged strike today.
The Chairman of ASUU, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi said he will address the media today on varying questions.
ASUU after series of consultations with its branches had resolved to end the Strike and presented offers to the Government.
The Offers;
Revitalization: 30 billion to be domiciled in Needs Assessment Act at the CBN on or before 31st December, 2020.
Earned Academic Allowance: Sharing formulae of the EAA reviewed, 75:25 is agreed (30billion:10billion). This will be mainstreamed into the annual budget.
Shortfall: Completed by the Federal Government.
State Universities: Work on Proposed bill amended in progress to be transmitted to the National Assembly.
Renegotiation: renegotiations has commenced with two meeting held already and reports are favourable.
UTAS: The deployment process is in progress to be followed up vigorously by the government.
Withheld Salaries: A waiver has been secured for no work, no pay but money won’t be paid in bulk. Government has proposed two months’ salary to be paid between today and tomorrow. December salary to be paid with other workers and the balance withheld to be paid together with January 2021 salary while the office of the Accountant general of the federation will ensure two months payment before Christmas.
Based on the following offers, the federal Government had shown commitment on all sides and ASUU is expected to replicate the spirit of sportsmanship on its part.
The Sparklight News had earlier reported that the Federal Government after several consultations with ASUU promised N40billion as the Earned Allowance and N30bn for the revitalization of the university system bringing the total payments to N70bn while it also promised to pay the arrears of salaries to the lecturers.