Summary of the news from Vanguard

By Chi Ibe

Members of the Academic Staff Union of the Universities (ASUU) and University students can now breathe a sigh of relief. The Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, assured them there was no longer the need to hold their breath as the federal government would henceforth endeavour to fulfil every agreement reached with ASUU.

The minister showed appreciation to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his support throughout the negotiating period during which government came to terms to the demands of ASUU thus putting an end to the lingering impasse.

 “Government is not in any way contemplating of backing back with terms discussed with ASUU and other unions of the tertiary institutions. … and that anything discussed and agreed we are certain that we will do that,” she said.

While appreciating the union for its understanding of the federal government’s position to call off the strike, she also commended the efforts of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and that of the National Assembly in resolving the misunderstanding.

On how government intends to raise the N100bn promised to universities Prof Rufa’i disclosed that there were some other accruable interventions from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Nigerna Nationa Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and ICT intervention from the ministry of Communication and its parastatals.