Hope brightened yesterday for an out-of-court resolution of the dispute between striking varsity teachers and their Federal Government employers.
The House of Representatives and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have scheduled a meeting for tomorrow to dialogue on the seven-month-old strike.
ASUU is expected to submit a written presentation of its perspective on the matter to the House ahead of the meeting which is at the instance of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.
The Federal Government had dragged the union before the National Industrial Court last week.
But, despite the litigation, the government and ASUU said they would not foreclose dialogue aimed at resolving the industrial crisis.
Also, counsel to ASUU, Femi Falana (SAN), explained that out-of-court negotiations can still facilitate the resolution.
He said: “The pendency of the referral submitted to the National Industrial Court has not foreclosed negotiations with respect to the ASUU strike.
“Hence, President Buhari met the committee of pro-chancellors of public universities last Friday and said that he would consult with other stakeholders with a view to resolving the ASUU strike.
“The House of Representatives has invited ASUU leaders and other stakeholders to a crucial meeting on Tuesday, September 20 with a view to resolving the crisis in the universities.
“I expect that both parties will shift positions and resolve the crisis as soon as possible.”
THE NATION
