With approximately 72 hours remaining in the time limit set by the Federal Government for the Prof. Nimi Briggs Committee to conclude negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, there are indications that the union may make some concessions in its demands to the government.

Vanguard checks revealed yesterday that this followed the progress made in meetings between the committee and the union’s leadership.

Though the concessions may not include ignoring demands with financial implications, the union may give the government more time to meet some demands.

According to a source, both parties met on Saturday despite the fact that the Briggs Committee’s deadline to complete its assignment expired midweek.

“Demands with financial implications, such as the payment of Earned Academic Allowance, Revitalisation Fund, and withheld salaries, are not negotiable,” he said. We may shift ground in some areas, but let us wait until it is officially completed.

“Our children and wards are affected too by the strike. How much do we earn to send them abroad or to private universities here?

“We are not insensitive to the welfare of our students and the anxiety of parents. It is the government that is not getting its priorities right. Education is a vital sector that should not be left to rot,” he said.

When contacted, ASUU National President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke stated that the two parties had been meeting as planned.

“All I can say is that we are meeting, discussing, and making progress.” Whatever conclusion we reach, we will make it public. We don’t care if their team has a time limit to complete its tasks. “As a union, we are always prepared to negotiate whenever they are,” he stated.