The Federal Government on Monday March 7, inaugurated a seven-person committee to renegotiate the 2009 agreement reached with the Academic Student Union of Universities (ASUU).

Recall that members of ASUU who are currently on one month warning strike which began on February 14, are seeking improved welfare, revitalization of public universities, and academic autonomy among other demands.

The committee to renegotiate with the union is chaired by Pro-Chancellor, Alex Ekweme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs.

Other members are Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Wukari, Arc. Lawrence Patrick Ngbale, who represents North East; Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Prof. Funmi Togunu-Bickersteth, representing South West and Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja, Senator Chris Adighije, representing South East.

Also on the team are Pro-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Olu Obafemi from North-Central; Pro-Chancellor, Kano State University of Science & Technology, Prof. Zubairu Iliyasu, representing North West; and Pro-Chancellor, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Mathew Seiyefa from South-South.

The Committee, which is expected to review the draft proposed FGN/ASUU Agreement, has the following Terms of Reference:

a. Liaise and consult with relevant stakeholders to finalise the position of the Federal Government to the issues in the draft proposed FGN/ASUU Renegotiated Agreement;

b. Renegotiate in realistic and workable terms the 2009 Agreements with other University-Based Unions;

c. Negotiate and recommend any other issue the Committee deems relevant to reposition the NUS for global competitiveness; and

d. Submit proposed draft agreements within three (3) months from the date of inauguration.