There are strong indications that the Academic Staff Union Univesities (ASUU) may call off the ongoing strike action soon following the release of N15.89billion to universities on New Year’s Eve (Monday) for the payment of shortfall in salaries of universities.  According to the anonymous source that disclosed this informnation, the cash is expected to hit the account of all the institutions on or before the close of work today (Wednesday).

It was also gathered that the government has also set aside N20billion as revitalisation funds for varsities. The National Universities Commission( NUC) has been directed to work out the modalities for allocating the funds to all institutions.

Also concerning the demand for the setting up of Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company(NUPEMCO), the government has directed the National Pension Commission (NUPEMCO) to issue a licence for the company’s take-off.

Ngige was also noted as saying that the FG has gone far in considering the demands of the lecturers. We have substantially met the conditions.

According to him,“ he along side other delegates will be meeting with ASUU leaders on Monday where all steps taken by the government will be tabled before them. 

He mentioned that officials from the Ministry of Budget and National Planning will be at the next meeting with ASUU leadership where they will be briefed on facts and figures.

“We are hopeful that the actions taken by the government will be acceptable to ASUU for our schools to reopen.”

However, ASUU Chairman in the Southwest Zone Dr. Deji Omole denied knowledge of any updates on the union’s negotiation with the Federal Government.

Omole, who is also the Chairman, University of Ibadan chapter, told newsmen that the government was yet to call another meeting in the ongoing negotiation since over two weeks ago.

He said the negotiating committee was awaiting announcement of a new date for talks.