The Federal Government has assured that measures are being taken to reposition the nation’s education system and save Nigerians from the unpalatable experience of incessant university strikes in future.

Minister of Labour Chris Ngige gave the assurance in a statement marking the end of the eight-month strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

A statement issued by the Ministry’s Deputy Director Press and Public Relations, Mr Olajide Oshundun on Friday, October 14, 2022, said: “Now that ASUU has decided to obey the judgement of the National Industrial Court by calling off the devastating action, we apologize to all students and parents, of which the Honorable Minister is one, for this unduly prolonged strike, which is unwarranted ab initio.

“We wish to assure that with the decision, steps and measures being taken by the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, in holistic repositioning of higher education, a groundwork is being laid, of which we are confident, will save Nigerians, this unpalatable experience of incessant strike in future.

“It is verily our hope that now that the strike has been called off, the National Industrial Court will deal with the substantive issues as contained in the referral letter by the Honourable Minister. This is to ensure that justice is given to all parties including ASUU and their employers - the Federal Ministry of Education who acts on behalf of the Federal Government.”

The statement further noted that the Ministry will continue to cooperate with both parties in finding amicable solution to other issues not placed before the industrial court, in finding lasting solution to the instability in the university system.

“We certainly can’t be less grateful to the judiciary for deepening our labour jurisprudence in upholding the essence of the 3rd alteration of the 1999 Constitution, especially as it relates to Sections 243 and 254A,” the statement said.

It would be recalled that ASUU members embarked on the strike on February 14 to protest government’s failure to keep its agreement with the union. It was forced to suspend the strike by the National Industrial Court which gave an order compelling the union to resume work pending the determination of the substantive suit.

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