Improve funding of institutions, COPSUN advise FG, states – Nexus News
The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-owned Universities (COPSUN) has implored the Federal and state governments to sustain international best practices by increasing funding for universities and promoting the welfare of the workforce.
The body also implored the state governments to restrain from establishing new institutions but to invest massively in existing ones for quality infrastructure.
The committee made the call in a statement signed by the secretary, Marcus Awobifa, released at the end of its 57th quarterly meeting in Abuja, where it assessed the state of the nation, particularly the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) indefinite strike.
COPSUN equally implored the political class to pay more attention to education via improved budgetary allocations.
The group pleaded to various political parties contesting for power to initiate reforms for a better sector.
Speaking on the protracted ASUU industrial action, COPSUN expressed unhappiness over the development, saying that the damage had ruined the university system.
While saying that the university system has lost over 50 months to strikes since 1999, the group stated that it is relieved that the Federal Government agrees that state universities have the right to adopt or reject agreements reached with ASUU by the central government because education is on the concurrent legislative list.
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COPSUN, however, emphasized that it would not be forced to adopt any agreement to which it was not a party.
It promised that state-owned universities would continue to negotiate with their employees in line with the terms and conditions of their engagements.
It is observed that the decision has forced many lecturers to seek greener pastures abroad.
Dr. Arome Salifu, Executive Director AYGF, at a press briefing, in Abuja, appealed to the government and stakeholders to negotiate for a peaceful resolution.
The Prof. Nimi Briggs committee, organized by the government, went a whole hog in addressing the issue.
Salifu implored students to register for online courses to update themselves on skills and become productive as negotiations continue.
He advised ASUU to consider finding a middle ground during negotiations.
