Paschal Emeka, Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress has embarked on a mega rally in Abuja keeping their words to press home the request for the Federal Government to resolve the lingering strike and accede to demands raised by unions within the Nigerian university system.

Among the unions which have downed tools for over 170 days are the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, the Non Academic Staff Union of University and Allied Institutions, NASU, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT.

The protest, which commenced at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, saw over 3,000 members making up the affiliate unions chanting solidarity songs.

Before proceeding to the National Assembly and probably the Presidency, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba addressed the crowd, telling them to be orderly in their actions.

He criticized the Federal Government for paying lip service to education and the welfare of workers in the tertiary institutions.

He noted that most of those currently at the helm of affairs were beneficiaries of a thriving education sector in the past as they enjoyed free and quality education.