The Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities has urged the four unions in the institutions currently on strike to alter their approach to negotiations with the government.
The registrars, who are also members of one of the striking unions, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, said the ongoing strike posed grave consequences for the economy of the country.
The ARNU Chairman, Dr Abubakar Mamuda, who stated these at the 71st Business Meeting of the association in Abuja on Thursday, expressed concern over the devastating effects of the industrial crisis on the students and the quality of education.
“It is true that the struggles of the unions have brought about significant benefits to the Nigeria university system. However, in view of its negative effects on the NUS, there is the need for change in the approach of the unions in pressing home their demands,” he said.
When asked to suggest an alternative approach for aggrieved unions and striking workers, the ARNU boss said, ‘’Some have suggested that we should go the way of Germany; that a co-determination approach be adopted where work councils would be established for NUS.
‘’The work councils will comprise representatives of employees and government; then issues of conditions of services and remuneration will be tackled without obstruction to academic activities.’’
Contact: theeditor[at]punchng.com
