President Muhammadu Buhari has finally broken the silence over the strike embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, December 18, urged the union to suspend its on-going industrial action in the interest of the country.

Buhari gave the charge during the 3rd Convocation Ceremony of the Alex Ekwueme-Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) Ebonyi.

The ongoing strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) continues as the leaders of the union and the Federal government failed to reach an agreement again.

Buhari, who was represented by Mr Victor Onuoha, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) said the government was aware of the challenges confronting the sector. “We are not unmindful of the funding challenge faced by the education sector, occasioned by dwindling resources and other competing national needs.

“We will, however, continue doing the needful to improve the nation’s educational sector within available, limited resources,” he said.

The President said that his administration realised the importance of education in nation building and pledged its continued support and provision to the sector.

“We will continue providing specific infrastructure through annual appropriation and other interventions such as the Tertiary Education Trust (TET) Fund, NEEDS assessment, among others.

“Universities have critical roles to play in nation building as they must justify their establishment through excellent, production-based research activities, innovative ideas, empowerment of youths among others,” he said.

Report by Godday AKOH