The Trade Union Congress has frowned at the level of attitude exhibited by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who walked out of the discussion held with the leadership of the National Union of Nigerian Students, while expressing their feelings over the continuous face-off between the federal government and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, over the incessant strike actions in the Nigerian universities.
In a statement signed by the TUC President, Comrade Quadri Olaleye,
and made available to journalists, the action of the Minister is not only an impunity, ridiculous, but discriminatory in some sorts, as the Minister who serves as the representative of government should have listened to the Students Union, instead of walking out on them.
TUC who reminded Adamu of the fact that peaceful protest is a fundamental human right, gave the federal government two weeks to resolve all issues surrounding the strike action by ASUU. The labor body threatened that, failure of the government to resolve these issues within this stipulated time, the trade union congress will have no option than to embark on a solidarity strike with ASUU and the Students union.
The statement added that government
must engage ASUU in constructive negotiations to find lasting solution to their complaints without further delay.
“We find it ridiculous that the Minister, a public officer rather than listen to their plight and strive to intervene, walked out. This act in our opinion seems discriminatory of some sorts, amidst finding solution to resolve the Federal Government – ASUU impasse, which requires to be redressed immediately.
Mallam Adamu should be reminded that peaceful protest is a fundamental human right, most especially for students whose academic calendar continues to be distorted as a result of the multiple recurring strikes, occasioned by governments non honouring of agreements”.
“We wish to stress unequivocally that we are together with the University lecturers and their students in this struggle.
Everything must be done to dispense with this impasse within two weeks, to avoid a situation where the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria will embark on a solidarity strike with the University Teachers and their Students”, the statement added.
