The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Wednesday, 11 December, 2013, signed a Resolution to end the strike, which had shut down public universities in the country for more than five months.

Briefing newsmen at a meeting between the parties, the Supervising Minister of Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike, said: ‘‘Today, I am very pleased to announce that all contending issues between the ASUU and the Federal Government have been resolved to the satisfaction of the parties.’’ Barr. Wike remarked that both the Federal Government and ASUU were partners in progress and that there was no victor, no vanquished in a struggle of this nature, adding that the goal remained noble, not motivated by parochial interests but targeted at moving the nation forward. He, on behalf of President Jonathan, thanked Nigerians, the National Assembly, the labour unions, traditional rulers, parents and students for their patience through out the period of the strike.

Responding, the ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Fagge, said that the Resolution was a response to a letter which the Union wrote to Mr. President, through the Supervising Minister of Education. He commended parents, students and other stakeholders in the tertiary education sub-sector for their understanding and patience, stressing that the struggle was to ensure that Government put the Nigerian University System (NUS) in order. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Mac- John Nwaobiala, signed the Agreement on behalf of the Federal Government, while the ASUU President signed on behalf of the Union. The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwahheed Omar, signed as a witness.

Also present at the signing were the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, (NUC), Professor Julius A. Okojie, former Executive Secretary, TETFund, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Vice-Chancellors of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Muhammad Hamisu Muhammad, University of Ibadan, Isaac Folorunso Adewole, University of Port Harcourt, Professor Joseph Ajienka and University of Lagos, Rahaman Bello who played mediatory roles throughout the negotiation process.

i hope they will not strike again for life