There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

The current face-off between the Academic Staff Union of Universities – and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics before it – and the Federal Government is not different from the prospective biblical Armageddon. According to the Oxford International Student Edition dictionary, Armageddon is the war between good and evil at the end of the world; a terrible war that could destroy the world.

What is it that could destroy the world of Nigerian students more than the “clash of the titans” that alarmingly occurs too frequently between the Federal Government and ASUU and its polytechnic counterparts?

The best any government can do for its youths is to invest in their education, by continuously providing a conducive environment for learning, appropriate funding, equipping the institutions with the needed facilities to boost academic standard and to make education an attractive and productive sector. Sadly enough, the Federal Government has paid only lip service to education from time immemorial. The best we have had has been frequent promises that have never been fulfilled. Promise and fail will not help build a true 21st century institution that can compete side by side with other universities and colleges across the world.

To produce students who are worthy in character and excellent in learning and service to humanity, there is the need for proper and continuous funding of Nigerian educational institutions, creation of laboratories and functional research centres, provision of well-equipped libraries; standard, modern and adequate lecture theatres and other needed facilities that will help produce students that will be fit for their respective sectors.

What happens instead is that students are left to bear the brunt of government’s indifference and their lecturers’ insistence on the “right thing”. The hope of the students to meet the set targets for their future is destroyed as two, four, five, six-year courses are extended beyond their normal duration, adding nothing to the course outlines but instead damaging the positive mental attitude that is needed by a student to stay focused while at the same time wasting their time and jeopardising their future – the future of the much-touted tomorrow’s leaders.

Apart from the elongation of study duration, the strikes also render undergraduates idle at home, causing some to venture into all forms of immoral acts, crimes and social vices. Like the adage says, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop”.

Regrettably however, Nigerian students are ignorant of one fact: that basically what ASUU and ASUP are fighting for is to improve the standard of education in Nigeria, and that if the universities and polytechnics suspend their strikes without the Federal Government granting the demands of ASUU or ASUP, it is highly likely that in the next few months, we will be back in the same predicament.

There is a difference between being effective and being efficient. ASUU and ASUP have been efficient in embarking on incessant strikes but the strikes have not being effective in getting the needed results from government. The solution therein is that students should try to understand the very essence of the strikes and join the unions’ protest; ask the Federal Government to grant their demands so as to build a new standard for our institutions so that the institutions can produce students that will break existing records at all level of human endeavours.

Although some say ASUU’s demands and insistence on strikes are “selfish”, the fact is that if the universities are properly funded, university managements will not hike tuition fees as a way to get more funds to execute projects. If the universities are properly funded, there will be adequate lecture theatres among other needed facilities. Presently, across many government institutions, about 5000 students crowd themselves in lecture rooms during lecture periods as the lecture rooms are too small and not enough; the result is that lecture rooms become stuffy and it is the students that suffer the most. A class meant for 60 students is occupied by 120-150 students, which is against standard. Everyone complains that Nigerian universities produce half-baked and unemployable graduates, but if universities are properly funded, there will be enough and sufficient practical materials, there will be functional research centres which will produce wholly-cooked products with the relevant basic skill-sets.

If their retirement age is extended, as required, universities will have enough time to enjoy competent and brilliant lecturers and professors who have spent their time in research and practicals. They have spent years in acquiring knowledge: let them have enough time to exercise and use them. Of what use is a professor who has acquired the best of knowledge in his field but has only five years to impart such, when it took him twice of that to gather?

Maybe, we should ask why citizens of other countries do not come to Nigeria to study. The fact is that the standard is bad and the facilities are not in place.

The road to success is never easy; there will always be bumps and lumps on the way. Robert Schuller said tough time never lasts but tough people do.

When two elephant fights, the grasses suffer. The end of the war between the elephants will come when the grasses understand their place and importance to their growth and well-being and stop. If the elephants have nothing to eat, there will be no strength to fight.

The end of the face-off between ASUU-ASUP and Federal Government will come when students join the cause because it is to reform the education sector; and when the education sector is reformed, students will be better for it. No matter how long it will take, let us fight for what is needed to have a better education.

It hurts to know that an agreement which has been reached four years ago is the bone of contention today.

If only ASUU and all other trade unions can speak with one voice while the students join them to make the strike more effective, then will the Armageddon end once and for all.

Only a stupid cock will believe the dawn will not come if he doesn’t crow.

The current face-off between the Academic Staff Union of Universities – and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics before it – and the Federal Government is not different from the prospective biblical Armageddon. According to the Oxford International Student Edition dictionary, Armageddon is the war between good and evil at the end of the world; a terrible war that could destroy the world.

What is it that could destroy the world of Nigerian students more than the “clash of the titans” that alarmingly occurs too frequently between the Federal Government and ASUU and its polytechnic counterparts?

The best any government can do for its youths is to invest in their education, by continuously providing a conducive environment for learning, appropriate funding, equipping the institutions with the needed facilities to boost academic standard and to make education an attractive and productive sector. Sadly enough, the Federal Government has paid only lip service to education from time immemorial. The best we have had has been frequent promises that have never been fulfilled. Promise and fail will not help build a true 21st century institution that can compete side by side with other universities and colleges across the world.

To produce students who are worthy in character and excellent in learning and service to humanity, there is the need for proper and continuous funding of Nigerian educational institutions, creation of laboratories and functional research centres, provision of well-equipped libraries; standard, modern and adequate lecture theatres and other needed facilities that will help produce students that will be fit for their respective sectors.

What happens instead is that students are left to bear the brunt of government’s indifference and their lecturers’ insistence on the “right thing”. The hope of the students to meet the set targets for their future is destroyed as two, four, five, six-year courses are extended beyond their normal duration, adding nothing to the course outlines but instead damaging the positive mental attitude that is needed by a student to stay focused while at the same time wasting their time and jeopardising their future – the future of the much-touted tomorrow’s leaders.

Apart from the elongation of study duration, the strikes also render undergraduates idle at home, causing some to venture into all forms of immoral acts, crimes and social vices. Like the adage says, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop”.

Regrettably however, Nigerian students are ignorant of one fact: that basically what ASUU and ASUP are fighting for is to improve the standard of education in Nigeria, and that if the universities and polytechnics suspend their strikes without the Federal Government granting the demands of ASUU or ASUP, it is highly likely that in the next few months, we will be back in the same predicament.

There is a difference between being effective and being efficient. ASUU and ASUP have been efficient in embarking on incessant strikes but the strikes have not being effective in getting the needed results from government. The solution therein is that students should try to understand the very essence of the strikes and join the unions’ protest; ask the Federal Government to grant their demands so as to build a new standard for our institutions so that the institutions can produce students that will break existing records at all level of human endeavours.

Although some say ASUU’s demands and insistence on strikes are “selfish”, the fact is that if the universities are properly funded, university managements will not hike tuition fees as a way to get more funds to execute projects. If the universities are properly funded, there will be adequate lecture theatres among other needed facilities. Presently, across many government institutions, about 5000 students crowd themselves in lecture rooms during lecture periods as the lecture rooms are too small and not enough; the result is that lecture rooms become stuffy and it is the students that suffer the most. A class meant for 60 students is occupied by 120-150 students, which is against standard. Everyone complains that Nigerian universities produce half-baked and unemployable graduates, but if universities are properly funded, there will be enough and sufficient practical materials, there will be functional research centres which will produce wholly-cooked products with the relevant basic skill-sets.

If their retirement age is extended, as required, universities will have enough time to enjoy competent and brilliant lecturers and professors who have spent their time in research and practicals. They have spent years in acquiring knowledge: let them have enough time to exercise and use them. Of what use is a professor who has acquired the best of knowledge in his field but has only five years to impart such, when it took him twice of that to gather?

Maybe, we should ask why citizens of other countries do not come to Nigeria to study. The fact is that the standard is bad and the facilities are not in place.

The road to success is never easy; there will always be bumps and lumps on the way. Robert Schuller said tough time never lasts but tough people do.

When two elephant fights, the grasses suffer. The end of the war between the elephants will come when the grasses understand their place and importance to their growth and well-being and stop. If the elephants have nothing to eat, there will be no strength to fight.

The end of the face-off between ASUU-ASUP and Federal Government will come when students join the cause because it is to reform the education sector; and when the education sector is reformed, students will be better for it. No matter how long it will take, let us fight for what is needed to have a better education.

It hurts to know that an agreement which has been reached four years ago is the bone of contention today.

If only ASUU and all other trade unions can speak with one voice while the students join them to make the strike more effective, then will the Armageddon end once and for all.

Only a stupid cock will believe the dawn will not come if he doesn’t crow.

The current face-off between the Academic Staff Union of Universities – and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics before it – and the Federal Government is not different from the prospective biblical Armageddon. According to the Oxford International Student Edition dictionary, Armageddon is the war between good and evil at the end of the world; a terrible war that could destroy the world.

What is it that could destroy the world of Nigerian students more than the “clash of the titans” that alarmingly occurs too frequently between the Federal Government and ASUU and its polytechnic counterparts?

The best any government can do for its youths is to invest in their education, by continuously providing a conducive environment for learning, appropriate funding, equipping the institutions with the needed facilities to boost academic standard and to make education an attractive and productive sector. Sadly enough, the Federal Government has paid only lip service to education from time immemorial. The best we have had has been frequent promises that have never been fulfilled. Promise and fail will not help build a true 21st century institution that can compete side by side with other universities and colleges across the world.

To produce students who are worthy in character and excellent in learning and service to humanity, there is the need for proper and continuous funding of Nigerian educational institutions, creation of laboratories and functional research centres, provision of well-equipped libraries; standard, modern and adequate lecture theatres and other needed facilities that will help produce students that will be fit for their respective sectors.

What happens instead is that students are left to bear the brunt of government’s indifference and their lecturers’ insistence on the “right thing”. The hope of the students to meet the set targets for their future is destroyed as two, four, five, six-year courses are extended beyond their normal duration, adding nothing to the course outlines but instead damaging the positive mental attitude that is needed by a student to stay focused while at the same time wasting their time and jeopardising their future – the future of the much-touted tomorrow’s leaders.

Apart from the elongation of study duration, the strikes also render undergraduates idle at home, causing some to venture into all forms of immoral acts, crimes and social vices. Like the adage says, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop”.

Regrettably however, Nigerian students are ignorant of one fact: that basically what ASUU and ASUP are fighting for is to improve the standard of education in Nigeria, and that if the universities and polytechnics suspend their strikes without the Federal Government granting the demands of ASUU or ASUP, it is highly likely that in the next few months, we will be back in the same predicament.

There is a difference between being effective and being efficient. ASUU and ASUP have been efficient in embarking on incessant strikes but the strikes have not being effective in getting the needed results from government. The solution therein is that students should try to understand the very essence of the strikes and join the unions’ protest; ask the Federal Government to grant their demands so as to build a new standard for our institutions so that the institutions can produce students that will break existing records at all level of human endeavours.

Although some say ASUU’s demands and insistence on strikes are “selfish”, the fact is that if the universities are properly funded, university managements will not hike tuition fees as a way to get more funds to execute projects. If the universities are properly funded, there will be adequate lecture theatres among other needed facilities. Presently, across many government institutions, about 5000 students crowd themselves in lecture rooms during lecture periods as the lecture rooms are too small and not enough; the result is that lecture rooms become stuffy and it is the students that suffer the most. A class meant for 60 students is occupied by 120-150 students, which is against standard. Everyone complains that Nigerian universities produce half-baked and unemployable graduates, but if universities are properly funded, there will be enough and sufficient practical materials, there will be functional research centres which will produce wholly-cooked products with the relevant basic skill-sets.

If their retirement age is extended, as required, universities will have enough time to enjoy competent and brilliant lecturers and professors who have spent their time in research and practicals. They have spent years in acquiring knowledge: let them have enough time to exercise and use them. Of what use is a professor who has acquired the best of knowledge in his field but has only five years to impart such, when it took him twice of that to gather?

Maybe, we should ask why citizens of other countries do not come to Nigeria to study. The fact is that the standard is bad and the facilities are not in place.

The road to success is never easy; there will always be bumps and lumps on the way. Robert Schuller said tough time never lasts but tough people do.

When two elephant fights, the grasses suffer. The end of the war between the elephants will come when the grasses understand their place and importance to their growth and well-being and stop. If the elephants have nothing to eat, there will be no strength to fight.

The end of the face-off between ASUU-ASUP and Federal Government will come when students join the cause because it is to reform the education sector; and when the education sector is reformed, students will be better for it. No matter how long it will take, let us fight for what is needed to have a better education.

It hurts to know that an agreement which has been reached four years ago is the bone of contention today.

If only ASUU and all other trade unions can speak with one voice while the students join them to make the strike more effective, then will the Armageddon end once and for all.

Only a stupid cock will believe the dawn will not come if he doesn’t crow.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

hello aspiring akokites! its gonna be great if u really believe in God, I was here dis tym last year with anxiety buh I thank God for today cos he has given me rest. Those dat merited,congrats and dos dat did nt... dnt loose hope yet cos dis yr's admission wil be much easier cos less ppl wrote the post utme even if dnt get in wit ur choice of course u can stil get anoda...expect the list as soon as d strike is called off wich seems to be coming soon. best of luck!

joshmoy: Dyu noe aw annoying it is 2 c 2 overgrown babies that scaled d cut off marks fight over a meager case? Well i am sure u don't cos if probably u scored below, u won't have time 4 arguments nd u'll channel ur resources into looking 4 another alternative. It proves d saying that 'fill a man's belly , and he's no more that a squirming child'.

To better peepz that have kept dis thread up and running buh scored below; there is a reason 4 everything. Just take it in good faith and never give up. Rejoice with those who made it.

Cos as 4 me, am heading off 2 fCe akoka 2 apply cos I wanna b an educationist!

The end, justifies the means

Bliss.
Peace.
Respect.

First and foremost joshmoy, we never fought. 2ndly, he only pointed out my error n unlike u I took it in good faith n corrected myself. 2nd, I'd hv loved u to still chase ur dream of entering unilag instead of settling for fce. Its gud u go thr but still try to enter unilag. It has taken me 13 years to get this admission n I thank Jehova that I didn't giv up. I spent d last four years in OAU studying biochemistry. So still chase ur dream. N to those who didn't make d cutoff I'd suggest u ask those who did how they did it. Never give up. God bless u all.

owbecee, why are porting frm OAU 2 UNILAG i thougt they said that OAU is oba awon university.

@honey BABA PARK WELL!!!

Ortarico: Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. . . . . . .una don start ahm bah?

lol. You are enjoying yourself bah. Nothing do you my guy.

labodinho: Been long i post here o........Regards to all and the new beez.

longest time oga laboz. Your silence was legendary. I hope you're alright? Good to hear from you.

okeke2: @honey ABEG PARK WELL

which one be park well, OAU students always feel that they are superior and that their school is the best , without realizing that UNILAG The school of first choice and the nations pride, is an emerging CHAMPION.

hillsnite: engr lucky...u eyaf nt tell us wah u score oo...oya talk,we r hearing.

where have you been all these while. You are hiding and booking in prep for Akoka. I know you o o oh!
My score? I've said it now! Check. I said I have the same putme score with him. And you already know my Jamb score.
So what's it? The aggregate? Ok. Just add 0.88 to what you said you have and thats it.

How's the studio buiz.

honey: which one be park well, OAU students always feel that they are superior and that their school is the best , without realizing that UNILAG The school of first choice and the nations pride, is an emerging CHAMPION.

ma dear, dis is nt necessary, is it? Besides none of d nigerian universities will mk d 1st 2000 ranking in d world presently. In my opinion, i'd give d best school in nigeria to FUTO presently. Unilag remains my 1st choice though

Boss mi.......all is well,letz pray for the best sha......datz ma Engr. Dr. F.W.A.C.S Lucky..

engr lucky:

longest time oga laboz. Your silence was legendary. I hope you're alright? Good to hear from you.

godofphysics: ma dear, dis is nt necessary, is it? Besides none of d nigerian universities will mk d 1st 2000 ranking in d world presently. In my opinion, i'd give d best school in nigeria to FUTO presently. Unilag remains my 1st choice though

SAME WAS THE CASE WITH ASIAN UNIVERSITY IN THE EARLY 2000'S, BUT TODAY ASIAN UNIS ARE DOING WELL, NIGERIAN UNIS ESPECIALLY THE UPGRADED FEDERAL UNIVERSITY ARE DOING WELL, AND I BELIEVE THAT IF THEY CONTINUE AT THIS PACE, MOST OF THE GRADUATES WHO GO ABROAD FOR THEIR MASTERS, ALWAYS COME OUT BEST, SO NAIJA WILL RULE ONE DAY, AND UNTIL THEN , NO UNIVERSITY SHOULD FEEL OVERSUPERIOR. °°¤**~||PEACE||~**¤°°

honey: There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.There are indications that lecturers from polytechnics and colleges of education may join their counterparts – the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to sources from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the union may resume its suspended strike, due to a lack of remarkable progress from the government on the union’s wage dispute.

Following promises made to the union, it suspended its strike on July 16 for one month. But as of Sunday, the Federal Government had yet to fulfill the promises made to ASUP, which has stirred up a fresh round of controversy.

Consequently, a meeting has been scheduled to hold between ASUP, the Governing Council Chairmen, Rectors and Registrars of Polytechnics and the National Board for Technical Education in Abuja this week between Tuesday and Wednesday, after which the union will convene its National Executive Council meeting.

Also, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, which had earlier issued a 21-day notice, on Friday served a fresh strike notice on the Federal Government.

In an August 15 letter to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, entitled, ‘Re: Festering issues prone to industrial action: An Ultimatum’, the union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

In the letter signed by its President, Asagha Nkoro, and the General Secretary, Nuhu Ogirima, COEASU expressed worry about the attitude of the government to the crisis in the education sector, especially over poor working conditions.

The letter reads, “Given the apparent unwillingness of the Federal Government to meaningfully address the issues of grave concern to the survival of the College of Education system within 21 days, as enunciated in the letter. The union hereby states that should the Federal Government maintain its lackadaisical posture in the next two weeks, it would be compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action in the colleges of education.

“In other words, the entire academic staff of the nation’s colleges of education would, indeed, cease all responsibilities and functions dischargeable under the law and statute, if by August, 29,2013, the Federal Government refuses to take practical and meaningful steps towards addressing the union’s demands.”

The union’s complains centre on infrastructural decay, poor funding, non-implementation of the 2010 FG-COEASU Agreement, poor conditions of service, brain drain and illegal imposition of the IPPIS.

In a related development, ASUP, which on Sunday, expressed confidence in the National Assembly, criticised the executive arm of government for its lack of commitment to the promises made to it at their last meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, the ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, said, “The Federal Government asked for two weeks, we gave them one month because there were outstanding issues, like the CONTISS 15 migration. The approval for that has come from the Head of Service but they are still to work out the modalities for the implementation. This involves arrears, and we have not been assured of where the arrears will come from and when.

“Government also promised to constitute the Governing Councils for the remaining polytechnics within two weeks; it is one month now but nothing has been done.

“On university-polytechnic dichotomy, we have not received any response from the Minister of Education. If the government will deem it fit to invite us to review the progress, I think it will be better for everybody.”

Meanwhile, students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, have appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to address, as a matter of urgency, the issues relating to the ongoing strike by their teachers.

They said the current strike had been affecting not only their psyche and future, but also the future of the education sector in Nigeria.

NANS, in a statement in Jos on Sunday by the NANS’ Senate President, Mr. Emaluji Michael, described the strike as unfortunate, advising both sides to reconsider their tough stands on the negotiations.

The body accused the Presidency of not being proactive in handling issues pertaining to the strike, as it allowed it to have lingered since 1999, thereby subjecting them (students) to untold emotional torture.

While appealing to the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led NEEDS assessment to negotiate with the academic staff with a view to resolving the issues as quickly as possible, the students urged the President to see to the demands of ASUU and consider the effect of the strike on the present state of insecurity in the country.

Abeg abeg wetin. Ah ah. This is long na.

engr lucky:

lol. You are enjoying yourself bah. Nothing do you my guy.

Yep chief! All things being equal, let it flow (ko ma ro) since cut off marks were met, other things being equal.

Owbeecee: Hey engr lucky, guess what? I made d mistake. Instead or 87 I typed 83 as my postume score. I jst re-read dat post again. Here r d raw scores. I had to open d site again cos I hvnt printed yet. Postume: 87.5, jamb: 278 and ago: 78.5. I hope this clears it up.

lolz at two overgrown babies. There is nothing someone will not see on social network. ...... that's by the way.

Yea. I rep mbbs. That guy, Hillsnite, that is talking about intimidation is also one.
#Whispering# (please don't tell him I told you this. Let it be our little secret). Don't mind him jor. He's also a genius like you. I swear to God, if you hear his Jamb score, you'll not only be intimidated but you'll wonder if he's a human being. Lolz

Did I hear you say You've not printed your putme result. What are you waiting for? Hmmm. E be like say you no sabi say unilag network dey fall hand at times. The last time it misbehaved, if you want to print your result it will tell you 'invalid registeration number' or 'payment yet to be made'. So please and please go asap to where you can print it and print at least two colour and one black and white copy of your putme result before you enter one chance.

i just heard threats from those foolish ASUU that they want to cancel the merit list!!! i swear i pray dey all die with their stupid children and godforsaken family

okeke2: i just heard threats from those foolish ASUU that they want to cancel the merit list!!! i swear i pray dey all die with their stupid children and godforsaken family

u nd i knw dat ASUU likes money a lot. Relax, all they want is their own share of d millions being made frm d putme. I'm 70percent sure it won't get to dat

The strike by university teachers
will continue. The Academic Staff
Union of Universities (ASUU) and
the federal government again
failed to reach an agreement
yesterday.
The two sides continued to hold
on to their different positions on
the crucial issue of funding.
Even as the grey areas are yet to
be cleared, the Federal
Government agreed to release
N130 billion to tackle the issues
of infrastructural decay and
pending allowances in the
universities.
Chairman of the Presidential
Universities Needs
Implementation Committee and
Governor of Benue State, Gabriel
Suswam, at the end of about
four-hour meeting between the
two sides in Abuja told reporters
that the negotiation would
continue.
According to him, progress was
made in the area of tackling the
infrastructural deficit in the
Nigerian universities with the
release of N100 billion, which will
be distributed next month.
He said: “The Federal
Government has been able to
harness about N100 billion,
which Mr. President has agreed.
that will flag of the project and
starting from the first week of
September in virtually all the
universities. The process of
achieving that is ongoing at the
Centre and due process for it at
various universities”
“The infrastructure deficit will be
addressed like hostels, labs and
libraries. Some will be renovated
while others will be brand new.
Every university will be affected
and each of the hostel will
accommodate 1,200 students.”
The Secretary to the Government
of the Federation (SGF), Senator
Anyim Pius Anyim maintained
that all issues have been resolved
except the unpaid allowances.
He said the Federal Government
had agreed to release N30 billion
for that purpose which must be
paid according to the verifiable
claims by each University Council.
He reiterated the position of
Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala, that the N92
billion being demanded by ASUU
as wages could not be met.
He said the responsibility of
settling the pending arrears now
rests with the University Councils,
who will be supported with N30
billion.
ASUU President Nasir Isa Fagge
said the team will report back to
their National Executive Council
(NEC) to decide appropriate
response to the Federal
Government’s offer.
He maintained that ASUU’s
position has not shifted from the
2009 agreement.
He said: “The union is talking
about the implementation of
2009 agreement and not
renegotiation. If you remember
the objective of going on strike is
to get government to implement
the 2009 ASUU and FG
particularly to implement the
provisions of the memorandum
of understanding we reached
with the government in 2012.”