that any plan by the federal government to forcefully reopen the
nation's universities will be met with stiff resistance.
The development came as President Goodluck Jonathan has
decided to personally intervene in the resolution of the impasse
and has summoned the leadership of ASUU to the Presidential Villa,
Abuja.
ASUU chairman, University of Abuja Chapter, Mr. Clement Chup,
who confirmed the invitation by President Jonathan for meeting,
however, said anything short of a clear agenda for implementing
the 2009 Agreement would not be acceptable to the Union.
In a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Abuja
during the weekend, Mr. Chup, said any form of authoritarian
approach in the resolution of the crisis would not work.
He added the surest and the shortest route to industrial harmony
in the university system was the fastest approach to revitalising
the system.
The UNIABUJA chairman of ASUU, stressed that the union would
not in any way be intimidated into jeopardising the future of
Nigerian students, and by implication, the country, through half
measures or by coercion.
He said "The attention of our union is drawn to some recent
reports in some media alleging that the President of Nigeria would
direct the re-opening of all Nigerian universities with or without
an amicable resolution with ASUU.
"We wish to state that while the President of the Federation
has issued an invitation to the leaders of our union for dialogue, it
will be totally unacceptable to our members if government fails to
come out with a clear agenda on implementing the 2009
Agreement.
"Authoritarian posturing has never solved and will not solve the
impasse. We are calling on Mr President to tow the path of
honour and as a democrat, respect the 2009 Agreement.
"This is the surest and the shortest route to industrial harmony
in the University system and the fastest approach to revitalising
the system.
