BY NGOZI NWANKWO
In a bid to avert the looming strike by the university workers, the Federal Government, through the Yayale Ahmed Renegotiation Committee, will be meeting with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU Monday (today) convened meetings for Monday, and Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
ASUU’s one month warning strike expired on Friday, November 21, 2025 and depends on the outcome of the meeting to decide further action on the planned strike.
One of the National Executive Council (NEC) members, who disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday, blamed the Federal Government for allegedly adopting delay tactics.
“They have convened a meeting for Monday and Tuesday. I believe it’s a delay tactic. They are trying to delay us from taking action. After their meeting, we will hold a NEC meeting to decide the next line of action,” the NEC member said.
The key lingering issues of the union include demands for review of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and disbursement of the university revitalisation fund.
The union warned that it would resume industrial action without prior notice if no concrete steps were taken within the one-month window.
Tuggar urges broadcasters to defend Nigeria’s information space
BY JENNIFER EZIMAKOR
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called on independent broadcasters to strengthen the country’s information sovereignty, promote unity and reinforce digital security.
He delivered the message through the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, at the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference in Abuja on Thursday.
The minister, who is on official duty in Johannesburg, conveyed warm greetings to IBAN and commended the choice of this year’s theme, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion and Digital Security.” He said the topic aligns closely with Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, especially at a time when global information spaces are increasingly contested.
He described information sovereignty as the digital-age equivalent of territorial integrity and noted that Nigeria must retain control of its narrative. He told broadcasters that locally produced, authentic content strengthens the country’s presence in global conversations and shields it from foreign-sponsored disinformation.
He also stressed their responsibility in fostering national cohesion. With more than 230 million people across diverse communities, he said the airwaves hold enormous influence and should be used to highlight shared values, common challenges and collective aspirations. According to him, the camera and microphone can either bridge divides or deepen them.
Tuggar further warned about rising threats in the digital environment. He said the same tools that allow Nigerian stories to reach wider audiences also expose the country to cyber-attacks, data breaches and coordinated influence operations. Safeguarding broadcast platforms, he added, is not just a corporate decision but a matter of national security.
He noted that a country that controls its information space, protects its unity and secures its digital systems strengthens its diplomatic standing. The narratives shaped within Nigeria, he said, frame how the nation is perceived abroad.
The minister urged broadcasters to see themselves as central partners in nation-building and in protecting the country’s information ecosystem. He called for deeper collaboration between government and the industry to counter misinformation, promote unity and project a confident and cohesive Nigeria.
He wished IBAN a successful meeting and encouraged delegates to approach their deliberations with a clear sense of national responsibility.