The strike which had caused untold hardship for students and parents who, as a matter of policy or financial constraints are patronising the federal institutions, may soon be called off after an eight-hour meeting between ASUU leaders and federal government representatives ended on an amicable note.
Chris Ngigie, Minister of Labour and Employment, said the dialogue was fruitful.
He said, “Many issues were discussed at the meeting including salary shortfall, the payment system, and revitalization of the university system. I am positive that all the issues would be resolved at our next meeting.”
Biodun Ogunyemi, ASUU president simply said everything Ngige said was correct and declined further comment.
This is happening one week after the Federal Government accepted the demand by the ASUU that they are exempted from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System pending the approval of their proposed payment system, the University Transparency, and Accountability Solution.
ASUU is expected to report the agreement to its organs and then communicate their decision to the government after which a date for the calling off of the strike would be announced.
It was further gathered that ASUU insisted the agreement should not be announced until it has been approved by its members.
Cheering as the news is, Nigerians, particularly, parents, who are reeling under the yoke of spiraling inflation with the attendant diminishing purchasing power would have to swing into action to prepare for the return of their wards back to campuses.