Court injunction won't halt talks with ASUU, according to Ngige

The court judgment ordering the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to terminate its strike, according to Chris Ngige, minister of labor and employment, won't stop discussions with the academics about their demands.

When the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) representatives visited the minister in his Abuja office, he made this statement.

Additionally, Ngige stated that "the government will direct the vice chancellors and pro chancellors to reopen the universities in accordance with the court decision."

He stated:

The decision is in the country's best interest. For everyone involved—the government, the students, the professors—every Nigerian, in fact—it is a win-win situation. I recently received the court order requesting that ASUU return to work. It is a wise decision. There is no conqueror and no defeated.

You academic doctors are currently ASUU members, however you are still present despite having cut ties with the union and continuing to work. We appreciate all that you do to educate your pupils.

"We can still engage in future negotiations and talks despite the court's verdict. When the pro-chancellors met with the president, they presented him with a list of requests, including boosting government assistance and exploring the possibility of a bailout.

"Mr. President (Muhammadu Buhari) stated that he will consult stakeholders in order to examine it. He will thus consult with everyone.