…Seek Implementable Agreement With Unions
The House of Representatives on Thursday, May 9, asked the federal government to desist from any further selective treatment of any of the unions in the education sector and ensure fair treatment to avoid counter-strike action by such unions which usually disrupt academic activities.
In its resolution following a motion by Abubakar Hassan Fulata (APC, Jigawa), the House also asked President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to direct relevant MDAs to come up with modalities for true negotiation with both the academic and non-academic unions and come up with a workable, implementable and final agreement to be signed by both parties.
The House also directed the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office of the Federation, Accountant General of the Federation, and other MDAs to ensure the full implementation and prompt payment of all the money due to the unions.
Moving the motion, Fulata describes education as the hub of the socio-economic, political, and technological development of every nation which equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities essential for effective decision-making and problem-solving, in shaping policies, laws, and the overall direction of a nation and the economy.
He said: “For a country to attain its aspirations of socio-economic, political and technological development, it must have functional, sustainable, quality and stable tertiary educational system to be able to produce qualified and productive graduates in its labour force that will drive the process;
“Nigerian tertiary education sub-sector has witnessed unprecedented strike actions over the last three decades as a result of disagreements and non-implementation of agreements, memorandum of understanding, most especially, the 2009 agreement and such other agreements reached between the Federal Government and the unions.”
The Jigawa legislator expressed concern that strike actions have continued to distort both the academic activities and calendar, thereby negatively affecting the early and timely completion of academic Programmes and by extension, the future of students as a result of these incessant strikes.
He said: “This and other issues such as poor funding of public tertiary institutions in the education sub-sector, resulted in a growing demand for foreign-owned and private universities in the country which is characterized by illicit activities including certificate racketeering.
“Also, the actions have negative effects on the realization of the missions and visions set by the government with the possible consequences on our economic and technological advancement.”
He argued: “Most of the demands by the unions which include the provision of infrastructural facilities, teaching aides and equipment, proper remuneration, welfare and allowances especially earned allowances, conducive working environment, are genuine and implementable which will forthwith, avert any reoccurrence of strike actions in our tertiary institutions.
“The way and manner this issue is being handled and treated with levity and given selective treatment if not properly handled and resolved amicably is capable of further aggravating the impasse and distorting academic activities with the attendant proliferation of social vices, economic and security consequences to the country.”
He stressed that in the interest of the nation, “We do not need another strike to address the problems of the unions.”
(NAN)
May Allah see us through