President Muhammadu Buhari is reportedly set to wade in the lingering strike embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Applesbite learned that Buhari is set to meet with the Federal Government negotiating team in the next few days before discussing with ASUU leadership.
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A source said the President has promised to intervene to ensure that universities are reopened in the shortest time possible.
He, however, said the Federal Government and ASUU may soon reach an amicable agreement following the planned intervention of the Nigerian leader.
The President has chosen to personally intervene to ensure that universities are reopened in the shortest time possible.
“Once he gets an update on the negotiation, he will meet with ASUU leaders to harmonise offers.
The government is determined to end the strike in a short time,” the source said.
The source added that the striking lecturers may get a 100 per cent pay rise after the government reportedly favoured the increase.
The government official revealed that the salary increase is a key part of the ongoing review of the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement, adding that options were still being weighed at a meeting last night.
He added that the payment of all outstanding allowances will be mutually agreed upon by both parties based on the nation’s economic situation
He said: “So far, the government may concede to a 100 per cent salary increase for the striking lecturers. This is a key part of the ongoing review of the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement.
“The payment of all outstanding allowances will be mutually agreed upon by both parties based on the nation’s economic situation.
“This is why the government is bringing in some ministries and parastatals to the negotiation table.
“They include the ministries of finance, education, labour and employment, Budget Office of the Federation, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.”
Recall that ASUU called out its members on a one-month strike on February 14 over the non-implementation of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) it signed with the Federal Government.
It is also protesting the insistence of the government to adopt the IPPIS as a payment platform for all federal workers.
The union proposed the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as an alternative platform following discrepancies in the use of IPPIS.
It embarked on a two-month warning strike on March 14 and a subsequent three-month action at the expiration of the first two.
