THE latest information reaching us reveals that The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) have finally suspended its 7-old strike, following the intervention by the Chairmen of Governing Councils of Federal Colleges of Education and assurances that the outstanding issues would be resolved.
This information was pulled from THiSDAY LIVE Newspaper, the suspension of COEASU’s strike would however be upheld following tomorrow’s meeting with the Minister of Education, Alhaji (Ibrahim Shekaru) with officials of the union.
The Chairman of the Committee of Council Chairmen of the Federal COEs, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, reading from the resolutions reached at the end of a five hour meeting in Abuja Tuesday noted that the union agreed that the government had met a reasonable number of its demands.
“The union has agreed to suspend its strike in principle subject to the following: that there would be no victimisation of its members and salaries with held would be paid,” he said.
The resolutions also noted that the circular for the migration of lower cadre staff in the COEs would be released immediately, while a technical committee would be set up to look into the resolution of other matters.
The meeting was convened at the instance of the Chairmen of Governing Councils of COEs, and the Committee of Provosts, to brainstorm on the way forward to ensure the strike is called off this week.
It had in attendance the officials of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), COEASU and NASU executive members.
The National Chairman of COEASU, Mr. Okoro Asagha, while addressing the meeting, said the union was concerned that its members resume work with motivation.
“We should not go on strike before we get things done. Issues such as needs assessment, and migration of staff for which a presidential circular already exists, should be taken care of before any union goes on strike,” he said.
“Once we tie all these loose ends…we will just dot the ‘I’s and cross the ‘t’s. This is the determinant week, I am sure we would all go home smiling,” he said.
The lecturers’ demands include proper funding of the colleges and adequate welfare for lecturers.
The lecturers commenced their strike on December 18, 2013 after several failed meetings with government representatives.
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