By Temi Ohakwe, Abuja
The Minister of Education has inaugurated the Federal government team for the re-negotiation of the 2009 Agreements between the Federal government, Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU and other University Based Unions.
Inaugurating the team in Abuja, The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu said the Federal government team is to take another look at the 2009 Agreements reached with the university-based Unions and work with each Union towards making far-reaching recommendations that would reposition the Nigerian university system.
The Federal Government Team, which is categorized into substantive members. advisers and observers, is led by Professor Emeritus Munzali M. Jibril.
Others in the member category are, Amb. Dr. (Mrs.) Nimota Nihinola Akanbi
Pro-Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Professor Emeritus Nimi Briggs, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, Arch. Lawrence P. Ngbale, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Wukari, Professor Femi Odekunle, Pro-Chancellor, FUT, Minna.
Others are Senator (Dr.) Nkechi Nworgu
Pro-Chancellor, University of Calabar
Professor Shehu Usman Abdullahi
Pro-Chancellor, Kaduna State University
SAN. Maj. Gen. Mamman Magoro, OPR
Pro-Chancellor, Kebbi State University.
The terms of reference of the newly inaugurated team includes, the re-negotiation of the residual issues in the 2009 Agreements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the university-based unions, towards a workable and implementable agreement between both parties, such that will facilitate a repositioning of Nigerian universities for greater responsibilities in national development.
The team is also to propose and prescribe short, medium and long-term measures for the sustainable funding and management of Federal universities, in order to restore lasting peace, stability, harmony and progress in the Nigerian university System.
The team is also to make any other recommendations, as may be necessary, to ensure the realistic implementation of future agreements, by all stakeholders.
The Minister however re-affirmed the commitment of the present administration to finding lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the Nigerian university sub-sector.
Meanwhile , the representatives of the National Universities Commission, TETFUND, Association of Bursars of Nigerian Universities , Federal Ministry of Labour, Federal Ministry of Education
Federal Ministry of Finance and Budget Planning, Federal Ministry of Justice, Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation are to serve in Advisory capacity.
