Jonathan urges ASUU to end strike

•Fed Govt releases N30b for allowances
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the
Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)
should call off its strike, as the Federal
Government has released N30 billion for
earned allowances.
He spoke at the inauguration of the Federal
Government- sponsored transformation
projects at the Federal University of
Technology (FUTO), Owerri, the Imo State
capital.
The President, who was represented by the
Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqqayat Rufai,
said N30 billion has been released for the
payment of earned allowances in public
universities.
He said the inaugurated projects were in line
with the Federal Government’s commitment to
provide quality education in the country,
adding that the projects were based on the
need assessment exercise conducted by the
Federal Government in the universities.
Jonathan urged the universities to engage in
research for national development, stressing
the need for proper maintenance of completed
projects.
The Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Chidozie Asiabaka,
expressed joy at the completion of the
structures.
He said the projects have gone a long way in
tackling the dearth of basic infrastructure in
the institution.
“The dearth of classrooms, lecture theatres,
power supply, hostels, office accommodation,
library space and facilities was the major
challenge my administration faced when I
assumed office two years ago,” he said.
The VC noted that with the intervention of the
Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the university
has got 1,000 sitting capacity lecture theatre,
Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies building,
Department of Physics building and the School
of Engineering building.
He also listed the Engineering Technology new
complex, School of Environmental Technology
Building complex, Centre for Nuclear Energy
Studies and Training complex and the School
of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology
building.
Others are the School of Environmental
Technology building, landscaping of the
campus and the provision of solar energy
lights on the campus.
“The university is relieved at the prompt
intervention of some agencies,” he said.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.10