The Federal Government on Thursday dismissed claims by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that a binding agreement had been signed between both parties, insisting that the documents cited by the union were merely draft proposals.
This comes amid mounting pressure from ASUU chapters across the country, which have, since Monday, called on the federal government to honour the renegotiated agreement to avert a fresh round of industrial action that could disrupt academic activities for nearly two million students nationwide.
Several university branches of ASUU had warned of an imminent strike, accusing the government of reneging on commitments allegedly reached during the renegotiation process. The union maintains that the unresolved issues include improved funding for public universities, lecturers’ welfare, and implementation of previous agreements.
However, federal authorities insist that no binding pact was signed, stressing that what exists are draft proposals still under consideration. Officials said the government remains committed to dialogue with the union to prevent any disruption in the academic calendar.
With ASUU threatening to mobilize its members for industrial action, millions of students across Nigeria could face another round of prolonged academic setbacks if the matter is not resolved urgently.
