The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) of the state university, Keffi, to pull out of the ongoing nationwide strike embarked upon by the national body.

This, the assembly said, is in the interest of the poor masses and for the overall educational development of the state.

Daniel Ogazi, the chairman, House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, made the call during a meeting with officials of ASUU, NSUK chapter, on Tuesday in Lafia.

Mr Ogazi (APC-Kokona East), who is the deputy majority leader, said the state government and the House were committed to making the university meet the international best standard.

“We call this meeting to appeal to you to suspend the ASUU strike and resume work in the interest of poor students and the state at large.

“We are prioritising the university because it is one of the industries we are proud of in the state.

“We have recently appealed to His Excellency, Gov. Abdullahi Sule, to take over the full payment of salaries of the staff of the institution.

“And last two weeks, the governor met with you, he has agreed to take over full payment of salaries in the institution,” he said.

The chairman assured ASUU of their commitment to the improved welfare of the lecturers and other staff and to an improved standard of education.

Responding, Samuel Allu, the NSUK ASUU chairman, appreciated the House’s concern and support.

Mr Allu said the strike was a nationwide action and promised to reply the House by next week after their congress meeting on the matter.

“We are messengers, we will go back to the congress to inform them of all that have taken place, your appeals, and we will get back to you accordingly, possibly by next week after our congress,” he added.

(NAN)