Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, stated that the decision of the stalemate between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities would happen soon.
The universities embarked on strike in March 2020 over the FG’s failure to pay the union members salaries.
Fayemi said as the NGF chairman, he had the privilege to be part of the negotiations between the government and ASUU, adding that in view of the successes recorded so far, “we are nearer to the resolution of the of the crisis than people think.”
The governor said this on Thursday during the 24th Convocation of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, with the presence of 11,437 candidates.
The NGF Chairman however, appealed to labour leaders in the institution to always welcome peace and give room for discussions in order to resolve many of the issues that might come short of their expectations.
Fayemi addressing the graduating students, advised Nigerian graduates to have ability to come up with uncommon innovations and ideas, noting these as the best fuel to success in a 21st century economy.
Fayemi said, “This is a period when academic curricular of our citadels of learning should be tailored towards meeting the realities of our contemporary Nigeria and the antidote for its various challenges.
“It is a generally acceptable norm that only qualified staff and students could innovate and steer the ship of our university system as well as Nigeria as a nation to our expected shore. Therefore, I challenge the graduating students of today to see themselves as the future of Nigeria. The earlier the responsibility of leadership is embraced by their generation, the better for them as a people and to us as nation”.
At the occasion was the former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II and was inaugurated as the institutions pro-chancellor.
He said, “This appointment will only further encourage me to continue joining hands with him (Fayemi) as we seek to make contributions to resolving some of the intractable issues currently facing this country.”
Sanusi added that the university funding model, which relied entirely on government budget was unsustainable in the long term.
He then charged the administrators of tertiary institutions to “cultivate the alumni and advancement as well as make good use of them when and when needed.”
The EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Olanipekun, in his comment congratulated the graduating students, whom he said “had been found worthy in character and learning to be awarded various degrees at today’s event. I wish to felicitate your parents/guardians and sponsors for supporting you to actualise your dream.”