The Minister of Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has initiated discussions with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to proactively address potential industrial disputes. Presiding over a closed-door meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Onyejeocha emphasized the importance of collaboration between ASUU and the government for the nation’s collective benefit.
Highlighting the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, the minister called for unity across all sectors, including education, to align with the national agenda. She expressed a keen interest in averting disruptions to the academic session in Nigeria for the year 2024 and beyond.
As a product of the university system herself, Onyejeocha aspired to elevate the role of the Labour and Employment Ministry beyond mere dispute mediation during strikes. She urged ASUU, led by President Comrade Emmanuel Osodeke, to share all union issues openly, fostering mutual understanding and preventing potential industrial disputes.
Emphasizing transparency and open dialogue, the minister stated that by proactively addressing concerns, both the government and ASUU could collaborate to ensure a seamless academic session in 2024, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda and fostering a robust educational landscape.
“I want us to be on the same page, from item one to the last, for the sake of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she affirmed, emphasizing the proactive role the Labour Ministry should play in addressing issues to prevent disputes.