By Marcus Ikechukwu
There are strong indications that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige is set to issue certificate of recognition to a factional trade union in the university system, the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA).
The move may not be unconnected with the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU which has spanned more than seven months.
The decision to issue the certificate was contained in a press invitation extended to reporters covering the sector on Tuesday.
According to Oshundun Olajide, Deputy Director/Head Press and Public Relations of the Ministry reads, “The Honorable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige cordially invites you to the recognition and presentation of Certificate of Registration to the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA)”
The event is expected to take place by 2pm in the Minister’s office.
Recall that the Federal Government through the National Industrial Court had ordered the striking academic staff union to return to work, a judgement that ASUU is reported to have filed an appeal against.
ASUU Executive had reacted to the NIC directive as forcing them to return to work when their grievances has not been addressed.
Recently, the Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission NUC had directed Vice Chancellors of the affected public universities to reopen their institutions for academic programme but later rescinded the decision within 24 hours.
