Fred Ezeh, Abuja 

Re-negotiation of the 2009 Agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) resumed in Abuja, yesterday, after months of break believed to have been caused by the protracted ASUU strike.

There were indications that the meeting was convened to iron out several grey areas, especially those areas that had to do with funding and infrastructural development of universities.

Chairman of the Federal Government’s team, Dr. Wale Babalakin, told journalists that the meeting was well attended by both parties; with suggestions on durable industrial peace and harmony in the Nigerian university system.

He said the ASUU team, led by its President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, presented a timetable with 20 points to the committee and that the committee, on its part, promised to critically deliberate on them

Babalakin said: “We resumed re-negotiation meeting on Tuesday after a brief break caused by the protracted ASUU strike and all parties were represented. We had positive discussion and we hope that it will continue till the end of the renegotiation. 

“Both parties made contributions and suggestions, and we are determined to end the back and forth discussions through solutions that would herald academic and infrastructural development in the universities.”

He said the Federal Government and ASUU will sign an implementable agreement within the fastest possible time so that peace and development can be restored in the institutions.

Meanwhile, ASUU President, Prof. Ogunyemi, was unavailable to speak with journalists after the meeting.

He did not also pick calls to his mobile line.