ASUU president urges government to respect ‘Memorandum of Action’ timeline

Rights group seeks sincerity, commitment
The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Biodun Ogunyemi, has advised the Federal Government to keep to the timeline that runs through the “Memorandum of Action,” signed by both parties.

He told The Guardian yesterday: “There is a general condition running through, on each of the seven issues in contention. We had specific steps that should be taken on the side of the government that we expect them to work within the timeline.

“We believe that government will keep to the timeline that runs through the memorandum of action. If government keeps its own side of the bargain, there would be no problem. But if government reneges, then ASUU will need to review the situation and take an appropriate decision.”

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Hassan Taiwo Soweto, has while congratulating ASUU on a battle well fought, challenged the government to demonstrate sincerity and commitment in implementing the spirit and letters of the new agreement.

“We also salute Nigerian students for their understanding and solidarity. However we note the conditional nature of the suspension. This means the ball is back in the court of the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity and commitment.

“If ASUU should have any cause to resume the suspended action in future on account of government’s negligence, then Nigerians should know whom to hold responsible. As far as we are concerned, the democratic management and improved funding of the public university system, starting with the release of the balance of the university revitalisation funds is not negotiable,” he said.