ASUU Strike 2013 Call Off In Sight, After New Negotiations Introduction: Following two meetings (on Thursday 19th Sept 2013 and Friday 11th Oct 2013) of representatives of the AVCNU (Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, led by CVC Chairman, Prof. Hamisu of VNTI ATBU) and ASUURepresentatives (led by its President, Dr. Fagge) with the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Arc. N. Sambo, Minister of educationBarr. N. Wike and others, all Vice-Chancellors have been urged to inform and enlighten academic and other staff on the following developments so that we can ensure a return to normalcy in our Universitieswithin the shortest possible time. CONDITIONS ADDRESSED: 1. Earned Allowances:The N30 billion already released will now be increased to N40 billion, and should be regarded only as first installment, and not a once-and- for-all payment. Government will top it up with further releases once Universitiesare through with the disbursement of this new figure of N40 billion, so Vice-Chancellors are urged to expedite this disbursement within the shortest possible time using guiding templates that have been sent by the CVC. 2. NEEDS Assessment Capital Money:Government was cognizant and mindful of the ability of Universitiesto effectively/efficiently utilize the N100 billion fund immediately, hence that figure. However, in addition to this N100 billion dedicated and already to be made available for 2013, N200 billion (increased from N150 billion previously agreed) will now be earmarked in the 2014 Budget as well as each of the following three-four years until the Universitiesare brought to world-class standard. 3. Project Prioritization: Universitieswill now be allowed to determine their priorities and not be “rail-roaded” into implementing a pre-determined set of projects with respect to the NEEDS assessment. Decisions are not to be centralized. 4. TETFund Intervention:Government assured that the operations of the TETFund will not be impaired, and that the regular TETFund intervention disbursement to Universitieswill continue, unaffected. So the NEEDS assessment capital outlays are in addition to regular TETFund intervention. 5. IMC:A new Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) for the NEEDs ASSESSMENT intervention for Universitieshas been set up to take over from the Suswan Committee. The new one is under the Federal Ministry of educationand chaired by the Honorable Minister of education. In addition, to build confidence and ensure faithful implementation and prevent any relapse as before, the Vice President will meet quarterly with the IMC to monitor progress. 6. Blueprint:ASUU was mandated to submit a blue print for revitalizing the Universitiesto the Vice President. 7. Official Agreement Document:A signed document would be issued very soon to itemize the full issues on which this present consensus outlined here, brokered by AVCNU, has been reached. 8. An Appeal to Call Off Strike:The Vice-President Sambo appealed to ASUUto call off the strike and apologized for the “take-it-or-leave-it” comments credited to the Hon Minister of Finance. All other parties present at the meetings also prevailed on the ASUUleadership to consult objectively with its members to get them to agree with what is now on the table and to call off the strike as soon as possible after the Sallah break of Tuesday/Wednesday October 15/16 2013. 9. ASUUPresident Responds: At both meetings, the President of ASUUthanked the VP for taking over negotiations and promised to consult with his ASUUConstituency. We keep our fingers firmly crossed, as we await both the official consensus agreement document and full ASUUreaction. Statesmanship from all sides is called for at this point in time. Signed: Prof. Mobolaji E. Aluko Vice-Chancellor Federal UniversityOtuoke, FUOTUOKE.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 10:46:23 +0000
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