The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof Chris Piwuna, has reiterated the union’s willingness to resolve its ongoing industrial dispute with the Federal Government.
Prof Piwuna made this known on Monday during an interview on Politics Today, a current affairs programme aired on Channels Television.
His remarks come amid the union’s recent decision to commence a two-week warning strike over unmet demands.
“We are willing to come together and discuss with this government on the best ways to resolve this matter. We’re willing. Forget about what the Minister of Education did or didn’t do. Forget about what ASUU did or didn’t do,” Piwuna said.
According to him, the union has received overtures from some government officials expressing interest in reopening dialogue.
“I received calls from government officials today, telling us they are willing to restart this discussion. Between this night and tomorrow, I will hear from the Minister of Labour to know what they want to do to resolve this matter.
“ASUU is willing; we are ready. We are available to discuss this matter once and for all,” he stated.
The warning strike, which began earlier this week, is aimed at pressing the Federal Government to fulfil agreements reached in previous negotiations, particularly on issues bordering on university funding, staff welfare, and revitalisation of public tertiary institutions.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour and Employment is yet to issue an official response regarding the proposed dialogue.
