TheCable

Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, has asked the industrial court to give accelerated hearing to a suit filed against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the prolonged strike of the union.

ASUU has been on strike since February 14 to press home the demand for improved funding for universities, and a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.

Several meetings between ASUU and the federal government have ended in deadlock.

In a letter dated September 8 and addressed to the chief registrar of the industrial court, Ngige asked that the suit be given accelerated hearing in order to resolve the dispute between the union and the government.

“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 letter reads in part.

“The referral instrument is raised in fine 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 cull off the action despite apprehension of same, it would be appreciated if this dispute is given an accelerated hearing in order to bring the dispute to an end.”