Gloria Ogbu
Parents, on the platform of National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria, NAPTAN, have said they cannot beg the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off strike except the government considers the reports of the various committees set up to look into the matter and come out with its decisions.
The body which said this to Newsmen on Sunday through its National President, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma said 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.
This came in response to an interview where the Minister of State for Labour, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) asked Nigerians, especially parents to beg members of ASUU to return to their duty posts.
“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.
Recall that ASUU has been on strike since February 14 and recently extended it by another four weeks.