The Minister of Information and Culture, Hon. Lai Mohammed, has confirmed that the Federal government has offered the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, a whooping sum of #20 billion to revitalize the Universities and to clear up outstanding debt.
Lai Mohammed said "Of course, it has never happened in the recent history of Nigeria that a President facing re-election will rather concentrate on his job rather than his campaign. Again the President deserves commendation, not condemnation, for that decision.
"The stage is set for strike to be called off. A number of proposals have been made to ASUU. The sum of N15.389 billion has been made available, which represents the shortfall in payment to Universities.
"Revitalization of Universities: Offer has been made in good faith to pay N20 billion in 2019. FG yet to pay for 2018 only because the implementation committee is yet to work out the modalities.
"Pension: Nigerian Universities Pension Company has been established to administer pension funds for Universities. After all the requirements were submitted, PENCOM approved the company last Friday.
"Visitation Panel to Nigerian Universities: The Visitation Panel to Nigerian Universities Committee has been approved by Mr. President and will be inaugurated next week." -Alh. Lai Mohammed.
Funding for State Universities: "An 8-member committee with input from ASUU and other University unions has been constituted and FG is awaiting nomination from the Committee of Pro Chancellors of State Universities.
End Allowances: Mr. President has approved N20bn to pay for arrears that accrued between 2009 and 2012. The arrears for 2013 to 2018 are being collated and computed, after which it will be audited and verified by PICAD. Once done, payment will be made in 4 tranches."
This is the offer the FG has made to ASUU and the Federal government is expecting a favourable response from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
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