The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment in resolving the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike embarked upon by the academic staffers of the State University (KASU).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kaduna State University (KASU) resumed the strike on Thursday.
The union is agitating against unresolved issues such as the outstanding entitlements of the members and the payment of third-party funds generated by tertiary institutions to the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
Addressing newsmen on behalf of the Ministry of Education on Friday in Kaduna, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Rabiu Yunusa, acknowledged the resumption of the action and understood the concerns it raised.
Yunusa said Gov. Uba Sani had inherited the obligations amounting to over N4 billion from 2015.
According to him, the governor has commenced the payment for over a period of time in spite or the state’s financial situation.
He added that the governor had approved the payments for the accreditation of institutions, including N291,481,794, for various programmes in KASU and other institutions.
“This includes accreditation fees for Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, College of Nursing and Midwifery and College of Education Gidan Waya.
“KASU had also received approval for nine Engineering courses, a development made possible by the governor’s dedication and efforts,” he said.
The permanent secretary urged the union to prioritise students’ welfare and academic future.
He stated that Sani’s administration was working to address all the grievances, demonstrating a sincere desire to see the strike called off and normal academic activities resumed.
“The government remains committed to ensuring access to qualitative education for every citizen in Kaduna State.
“The parents and public should know that this government shall continue to take all necessary measures to ensure access to qualitative education,”he said.
Yunusa urged the union to remain committed to a peaceful resolution.(NAN)
