Strike: Buhari begs ASUU as recession bites harder

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to the leadership of Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), to understand that the nation is in recession, hence the inability of his government to meet their demands, Leadership reports.

The president made the appeal in a message through Professor Anthony Anwuka, the minister of state for education, during the convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri.

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He said: “As partners in progress, I plead for understanding and cooperation as the government is committed to addressing the various issues being canvassed by the Union, as we strive to right the wrongs of the past.”

The president noted that he is aware of the anxiety and uncertainties that agitate the minds of the graduands, on what the future holds for them after graduation.

“The fear is further amplified with the rising unemployment coupled with the recent economic recession that has befallen our beloved country. Periods like this are opportunities for geniuses to emerge,” Buhari said.

However, the president assured Nigerians that his administration would not fail in its promise to provide opportunities and avenues so that youths could develop their skills and creative ingenuity.

Recall that just after the Senate was able to negotiate a deal that got ASUU to call of its nationwide strike, the presidency came out to say that the government does not have enough money to meet all the demands of the lecturers.

According to minister of labour and employment Chris Ngige out of the eight demands of ASUU, seven of them have been trashed by the government.