Lawan noted that as part of government, it is the duty of the upper chamber to ensure that disagreements with government are resolved in the interest of the country and its institutions.
He noted that ASUU is required to work to ensure that universities remain open.
Lawan said: “We are all in this together and we believe that the Nigerian education sector especially the tertiary needs serious support.
“We know that you have made some sacrifices and that you have put in your best with the little given to you.
“The legislature is always prepared to take necessary steps to ensure that the tertiary institutions remain open and functional.
“We are part of government and I believe that issues like this should be resolved.
My worry has always been why government will sign agreements that it knows are difficult and sometimes impossible to implement.
“I believe that we should be looking at all the issues and suggestions that have been raised.
“I’m happy that you have made your point and I’m also happy that the federal ministry of finance is thinking of addressing the issues as well.
“I will like to know how they intend to do it. I’m meeting with the minister of finance to tell us what exactly is to be done because we do not want any strike.
“As for funding, the truth is we can only do our best at this stage. We have serious financial challenges in terms of budgetary allocations.
“This one should be known to everyone. But it is also our duty as the National Assembly to ensure that any revenue due to the federal government of Nigeria is captured and remitted properly.
“So that when we have sufficient revenues, we can fund our educational sector better.
“We will work hard on this but I want to assure you that in the legislature, you have partners. We will work with you to ensure that we resolve these issues.
“We’ll start with you today and then we’ll invite the government’s side let them tell us what they are doing.
“When you say government will fund universities, government will have to check how these funds are utilised but then, there have to be a mutual understanding that when they provide funds, the funds are properly channeled and the tertiary institutions can account for the funds.”
ASUU President, Proferssor Biodun Ogunyemi, on the position of the union noted that for all intents and purposes, it cannot be said that ASUU’s opposition to IPPIS is an endorsement of corruption in the Nigerian University System.
