We won’t beg ASUU over strike, Parents reply Keyamo

Nigerian parents under the aegis of National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), have said that they will not beg the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off the over five months-old strike.

The parents said that the only condition for them to appeal to the striking union was if government considers the reports of the various committees set up to look into the matter and come out with its decisions.

The body further stated that it expects the Federal Government to come out publicly with its offers for it to know how to intervene and mediate between the two sides.

The association’s National President, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, made this known in a chat with Journalist on Sunday.

“Let the Federal Government consider all the reports of the various committees it set up to negotiate with ASUU.

“There was a committee led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, among numerous committees.

“There has never been a time when parents are involved in the negotiation.

“We don’t want a situation where somebody will pitch us against ASUU or any group.

“The negotiation should involve parents, NANS, ASUU and government team.

“What the government should do is consider the reports of those committees and look at areas they can afford or work on and present same to ASUU.

“If whatever they can afford is unacceptable to the unions, then parents and others can come in to intervene,” Danjuma said.

The Minister of State for Labour, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), had asked Nigerians, especially parents, to beg members of ASUU to return to work.

Keyamo also said the government would not go borrowing to meet the demands of the union.