Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant (Media) to supervisory Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike has revealed that the minister is seeking permission from the family of Iyayi to allow the Federal Government participate in the burial ceremony of former ASUU president.
This was made known in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.
“President Goodluck Jonathan and the entire administration are deeply pained by the sudden death of the former ASUU National President who played a key part in the negotiations between ASUU and the Federal Government.
“We recall the significant contributions of Professor Iyayi during the 13-hour negotiations between President Jonathan and ASUU, which led to a headway in the discussions.
“I want to assure the family that the ideals that the late scholar fought and died for will never be forgotten. The Federal Government will diligently implement the decisions reached in the course of negotiations with ASUU.
“The Federal Ministry of Education wishes to be a part of the burial of this erudite scholar and we seek the permission of the family to participate in the burial. I pray God to grant the family the strength to bear this unfortunate loss,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, government delegation led by Nyesom Wike, Minister of Education, paid a condolence visit to the residence of the late ASUU President, Festus Iyayi, in Benin City.
The delegation consisted of the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Julius Okojie, and some top officials of Federal Ministry of Education.
During the visit, Mr Wike gave the assurance that the Federal Government would implement all the agreements it reached with the Union, especially after talks with President Goodluck Jonathan.
The minister was assured by a relative of the deceased, Prof. Robert Ebiwele, that the family would inform the Federal Ministry of Education on arrangements for the burial which would hold between December 5 and 9.
Iriabure Iyayi, son of the deceased, thanked President Jonathan, the Minister of Education and all Nigerians for their care and concern.
