By Uzair Adam Imam
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday told the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary institution-based unions that the Federal Government would not sign an agreement it can not implement.
The President disclosed this on Friday, September 7, 2022, during his last budget presentation in Abuja.
Buhari said his administration alone could not provide the resources required for funding tertiary education.
The Daily Reality reported that the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered members of ASUU to resume work with immediate effect.
He added that, rather, the government remained committed to the implementation of agreements reached with staff unions within available resources.
He was also quoted to have said: “The government notes with dismay the crisis that has paralyzed activities in the public universities in the country. We expect the staff of these institutions to show a better appreciation of the current state of affairs in the country.
“In the determined effort to resolve the issue, we have provided a total of 470.0 billion in the 2023 budget from our constrained resources, for revitalization and salary enhancements in the tertiary institutions.
“Distinguished Senators and Honourable members, it is instructive to note that today Government alone cannot provide the resources required for funding tertiary education.
“In most countries, the cost of education is jointly shared between the government and the people, especially at the tertiary level. It is imperative therefore that we introduce a more sustainable model of funding tertiary education.
“The government remains committed to the implementation of agreements reached with staff unions within available resources. This is why we have remained resolute that we will not sign any agreement that we would be unable to implement. Individual institutions would be encouraged to keep faith with any agreement reached in due course to ensure stability in the educational sector.
“Government is equally committed to improving the quality of education at other levels. Recently, we implemented various incentives aimed at motivating and enhancing teachers’ development in our schools. In the health sector, the government intends to focus attention on equipping existing hospitals and rehabilitating infrastructure. Emphasis will also be on local production of basic medicines/vaccines.
“As human capital is the most critical resource for national development, our overall policy thrust is to expand our investment in education, health and social protection,” he added.
