NSUK Strike: "We Are Working To Avert ASUU Strike" - Education Commissioner

By Ofim, Kelechi Ofim

The Commissioner for Education Nasarawa State, Mrs. Ramatu Abubakar, has declared that Nasarawa state "as a responsible government" is working hard to avert the looming industrial action by the Nasarawa State University branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). 

Mrs. Abubakar made the declaration when she spoke with NSUK CampusWatch on Tuesday via telephone from Lafia, the state capital.

The commissioner lamented that the dwindling revenue, especially the meager allocation from federal government, has affected the funding of critical sectors like education, but assured that the government is in talks with ASUU and hopes that something positive will come out of the negotiation.

"Obviously there is problem with the revenue but as a responsible government there is always a way out", she said. 

On the possibility of meeting the demands of the lecturers before their threat becomes real, the commissioner assured that the government is not resting, insisting that the best option has always been dialogue and that the government is taking their responsibility to Nasarawa state people very seriously. 

"We are talking with them and the strike will be averted by the grace of God", she maintained.

Abubakar appealed to ASUU to understand with the government because of the present unfavourable economic situation, which she said was the reason for the government inability to meet the lecturers demands.

"We just need their understanding. At least nobody is owing them salaries; it's just the allowances", the commissioner said.