ASUU quits talks with FG

The negotiations between the Academic Staff Union of Universities
(ASUU) and the Federal Government collapsed again yesterday as the
lecturers have pulled out of the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led
Committeeon Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities.
In a letter detailing its reasons for withdrawing from the committee,
ASUU said that the committee had not made progress on the issues for
which it was set up, adding it was not satisfied with the way the N100
billion raised by government to rehabilitate structures in the
universitieswas being managed.
Worse still, ASUU in the letter dated August 26 and signed by its
National President, Dr. Nasir Isa Fagge, accused the Suswam committee
of not being, clear on its plans for managing the funds. It cited the
inclusion of a "Project Administration Fund," even as it queried the
manner which funds were allocated to universities slated to benefit
from government's intervention.
The letter stated that, "we have also noted albeit quizzically, that
some N1.975 billion was allocated to the 62nd university called
Project Admin Cost.
"We see no justification for allocating an amount more than what is
allocated to four universities put together to a bogus Project Admin
Cost". The striking lecturers who had earlier announced their
withdrawal from negotiations with the government, said that until the
activities of the Suswam committee are carried out transparently and
itsmisgivings on themodus operandiof the committee are addressed, ASUU
will not return to the committee.
"In view of the foregoing, ASUU will be unable to continue in the
membership of the committee until the issues raised are properly
addressed", Fagge stated.