FG, VARSITY UNIONS’ TALKS STALL AS INDEFINITE STRIKE DEEPENS NATIONWIDE UNIVERSITY SHUTDOWN

Talks between the Federal Government and non-academic unions in Nigeria’s public universities reached an impasse yesterday, as the ongoing nationwide strike by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) further crippled operations across campuses.

The strike, spearheaded by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both unions, has continued to shut down essential services in universities nationwide, including administrative offices, health centres, hostels, and other support units.

Sources indicated that discussions between both parties are expected to resume today by 3 p.m. as efforts continue to break the deadlock.

Since the industrial action commenced on April 30, following the expiration of a one-month ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, public universities have witnessed severe disruptions.

At the heart of the dispute is the unresolved renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the government and non-teaching staff unions. SSANU and NASU have strongly opposed the Federal Government’s proposed 30 per cent salary increment, insisting instead on a 40 per cent adjustment, while also faulting what they described as the government’s failure to adhere to due collective bargaining procedures.

During Monday’s meeting, government officials reportedly explained the reasons behind the withdrawal of the earlier 30 per cent salary proposal and appealed to union leaders to suspend the strike pending further negotiations.

However, union representatives declined to halt the action without broader consultations with their governing organs, resulting in the meeting being adjourned without a resolution.

SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, maintained that the strike remained fully effective nationwide.

According to him, the industrial action represents a total shutdown, affecting all sectors of university support services.

He reiterated that the unions’ demand remains centred on fairness, equity, and a minimum 40 per cent salary increase.

Meanwhile, the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has postponed its electronic examinations as a direct consequence of the strike.

In an internal memo from the Vice-Chancellor’s office, the institution confirmed that affected examinations would be rescheduled once the industrial action is called off.

Similarly, at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), union members staged a peaceful protest, marching from the institution’s main entrance to the Senate Building while demanding improved welfare and immediate action on pending agreements.

SSANU Chairperson at UNIJOS, Anthony Jauro, condemned disparities in welfare packages among university staff, warning that such divisions could fuel crisis within the education sector.

NASU Chairperson at the institution, Monday Danjuma, also accused the Federal Ministry of Education of fostering disunity through what he described as biased treatment of unions.

Both unions have vowed to sustain the strike until their demands are fully addressed and negotiations on the 2009 agreement are successfully concluded.