The spokesman to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has refuted an earlier claim by the Labour Minister, Chris Ngige, that the Vice President would be handling the negotiations with the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The Federal Government had commenced dialogue with the striking ASUU members, after the Union declared an indefinite strike two weeks ago, citing the failure of the government to implement agreements reached with the union in 2009.

Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande refuted the claim by the Labour Minister, using his social media handle. He said: “news reports that VP Osinbajo has taken over ASUU negotiations is untrue and inaccurate. Labour and Education ministers continue to lead the talks.”

The minister of Labour and employment Chris Ngige had earlier, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, said that the Vice President has taken over some of the aspects of the negotiations and discussions.