The federal government has dragged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja over the prolonged strike embarked upon by the lecturers.
The minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige who instituted the suit, asked the court to accelerate hearing on the matter in order to bring the dispute between the Union and the government to an end in the shortest possible time.
Entitled ‘Forwarding of a Referral Instrument in the Trade Dispute between the FG/Federal Ministry of Education and ASUU,” the letter state in part:
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“Please find attached three original copies of a Referral Instrument regarding the trade dispute between the FG /Federal Ministry of Education and ASUU for adjudication by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
“The Referral Instrument is raised in line with powers vested on the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment by trade dispute resolution mechanisms and the provision of Section 17 of the Trade Dispute Act. CAP. T8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.
“In view of the fact that ASUU members have been on strike since February 14, 2222, and have refused to call off the action despite apprehension of the same, it would be appreciated if this dispute is given an accelerated hearing in order to bring the dispute to an end.”