Shekarau to ASUP: The New Education Minister, Shekarau told the Lecturers to return to classes while negotiations continue.
The new Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, to suspend their ongoing strike and allow for conclusion of negotiations.
The Minister who met ASUP leadership in his office today, 10th July, urged the striking lecturers to honour him and respect their students by returning to the classrooms.
He said that as soon as he receives full briefing from Ministry officials, he will work towards ensuring that the only outstanding demand of the union, which is the payment of CONTISS 15 arrears is tackled.
Earlier, ASUP President, Mr Chibuzor Asomugha appealed to the new Minister to take immediate steps to settle the CONTISS 15 arrears owed the Polytechnic lecturers so that they can return to
work.
He also complained about the no-work, no pay policy of the Federal Government, saying that Polytechnic lecturers are having a rough time. Meanwhile, seven out of the 21 Federal Polytechnics have resumed for academic work.
Among the 7 Federal Polytechnics is the school of the ASUP President, where his colleagues appear to have lost faith in the protracted strike.