From Rashidat AbdulRahman, Minna
Speaker Niger State House of Assembly, Barr Abdullahi Bawa Wuse has appealed to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai’s (IBBUL) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as well as other unions in the institution to suspend the on-going strike for accelerated development of the institution.
The speaker made the appeal during an interactive session with the management of IBBUL, and other unions at the Assembly Complex on Tuesday, sequel to a motion of Matter of Public Importance moved by Phalalu Bako, Member representing Kontagora One Constituency, urging the Assembly to interface with the union on how to bring an end the lingering strike action.
He stressed the need for both the state and federal government to do everything possible, by making sacrifice to uplift the standard of the educational system in the country.
Barr Wuse also gave the assurance that hopefully, his engagement with the executive arm of government will facilitate the suspension of the on-going strike and allow students return to school and resume normal academic activities.
Vice Chancellor of IBBUL, Prof. Abu Kasim Adamu expressed great concern over the ongoing strike by ASUU and appealed to them to reconsider their position on the current nationwide strike action as IBBUL is a state university with its own peculiarities.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the interface, Chairman, ASUU Lapai chapter, Dr Mohammad Kudu Dangana stressed that joining the strike is paramount to them, adding that issues such as salary review and implementation can only be done at the national level and not state level.
Dr Dangana affirmed that some of the benefits the institution has received from such national struggle cannot be over emphasized, including money for NEEDS assessment, PhD sponsorship, and a lot of infrastructures.
Also speaking, Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and Joint Action Committee IBBUL, Comrade Adamu Isah said when they were employed into the state universities they were told that their condition of service will be as obtainable in all federal universities.
Comrade Isah urged the state government to quickly address all backlogs, minimum wage and other benefits bothering the institution to enable them follow suit even when strike is being suspended at the national level.
“Over nine hundred million naira from the NEEDS assessment, over 50 percent of the projects in our institution are TETFund projects, out PhD and masters programmes are sponsored by TETFund, among others,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Gambo Rabiu, representing Paikoro Constituency said it’s a stepping stone and he is hopeful that everything will be resolved in due time.