The Minister of Labour and Employment, CHRIS NGIGE, has said the Federal Government has dealt with most of the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

ASUU, which is currently on a one-month strike, are seeking improved welfare, revitalization of public universities and academic autonomy among other demands.

The Minister noted that the academics have produced an interim report on conditions of service which was rejected by the National Salaries, Incomes & Wages Commission (NSIWC).

NGIGE said he was hopeful the academics will call of their strike soon so that students can return to the classroom.

One bone of contention for the academics is the non-payment of university revitalization funds, which amounts to about 1.1 trillion naira.

NGIGE maintained that the Federal Government doesn’t have the money to pay such an amount, citing low oil prices during the present administration.

According to the minister, the committee “couldn’t come up with anything that could generate funds.