The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to resolve the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

PFN said the Federal Government should pay striking lecturers because the industrial action is avoidable.

Cosmas Ilechukwu, PFN National Secretary, made the appeal in Lagos while addressing journalists.

Ilechukwu said the government should prioritize the education of Nigerians, stressing that it’s the first line of responsibility.

“Government should take it as its first line of responsibility to pay the salaries of university lecturers and workers. ASUU strike is unnecessary and avoidable.

“We encourage our government to take care of our universities, let our children go back to school,” he said.

ASUU has been on strike since February 2022 over the government’s refusal to meet its 2009 agreement.

The body is also aggrieved with the government over the mode of paying lecturers.

While the government is insisting on IPPIS, ASUU is demanding the use of UTAS in paying university lecturers.