We remain committed to honouring existing agreements with ASUU – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday assured that he remains committed to honouring promises made to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to prevent disruptive strikes.

He said he would do this in order to improve the funding of educational institutions.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement said Buhari made the pledge in Abuja while receiving members of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) led by the Co-Chairs, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Dr Samson Ayokunle.

Adesina said the president while commending the leadership of NIREC for intervening in the year-long strike by ASUU, said no society which wishes itself well neglects its educational system and all its parts.

He added that President Buhari urged NIREC in its subsequent consultations with members of ASUU to inform them that his government highly regarded them and the services they provide to the nation.

“However, they should be cognisant of the fiscal pressures that we are currently facing. Nevertheless, we remain committed to honouring our promises. For their part, I would like to encourage ASUU to continue to work with us towards finding resolutions to the challenges that confront us.

“My administration is committed to this engagement and dialogue, and I urge them to stay the course towards a joint resolution in the best interest of our children and nation,” he said.