FG has assembled a 14-man squad to end strikes forever

The committee, which is headed by Dr. Wale Babalakin, is expected to re-negotiate the 2009 agreement between the government and the unions.

The Unions here include Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, National Association of Academic Technologists and Non-Academic Staff Union of Associated and Allied Institutions.

The Minister of Education, Malami Adamu Adamu, said during the committee's inauguration:

“Today’s inauguration kick-starts our drive for re-negotiation across the three segments of the tertiary education sub-sector-universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, starting with universities.

Regarding other tertiary institutions, he said:

“Subsequently, the teams of the re-negotiation with the polytechnics and colleges of education, would be constituted as soon as their respective governing councils are put in place.

“The inauguration of the re-negotiation team is significant as it confirms to the unions that government is committed to keeping its own side of the promise. It wants to ensure that an environment that is conducive for teaching, learning, research and community service is engendered through lasting industrial harmony in all our tertiary institutions.”

And the Chairman spoke too.

Babalakin spoke optimism, assuring the unions that closure would be brought to the matter this time.

He said: “A conducive environment in the tertiary institution is the bedrock for the development of a nation’s intelligentsia. A nation’s development can be seriously enhanced by the active participation of the intelligence in the pursuit of the country’ developmental goals.

“We also want to assure you that we intend to rise beyond your expectations for the fourth realms of tertiary education‎ in Nigeria. This task should not be underestimated and with the commitment of all, it could provide a serious enhancement for education in Nigeria.”

The rest of the committee include:

Prof. Munzali Jibril, Pro chancellor, Federal University, Lafia;

Prof. Nimi Briggs, Pro. Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja;

Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Pro chancellor, Federal University, Otuoke;

Arc. Lawrence Ngbale, Pro chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi;

Prince Alex Mbata, Pro chancellor, Imo State University, Owerri

Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun.