FG, striking varsity workers’ talks collapse

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Photo: Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Minister of Education

By Ayo Ayodele

Negotiations between the Federal Government and the Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities concluded without resolution on Thursday.

The meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Education and led by former Minister of State for Education Dr. Yusuf Sununu, was intended to address issues related to the ongoing strike by the unions.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nasir Gwarzo, was also present at the 11 a.m. meeting.

The Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU began an indefinite strike on Monday due to four months of unpaid salaries, disrupting activities at universities nationwide.

In an interview with The PUNCH, SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim confirmed that university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, have not received salaries for four months. He indicated that universities would remain closed until payments are made.

A source from the meeting noted that while the government provided assurances regarding payment, previous promises have proven unreliable. “We can’t just rely on assurances,” they stated.

SSANU Vice-President Abdussobur Salaam later told reporters that the government did not offer a specific timeline for salary disbursement. He reiterated that the strike would continue until the government demonstrates genuine commitment by fulfilling its payment obligations.

Sununu, assigned by new Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa to oversee the meeting, stated that the government is taking a comprehensive approach to resolve the unions’ concerns. He expressed optimism about progress and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stabilizing the educational system.

A statement from SSANU President Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi indicated that the ultimatum for salary payments set by the unions expired at midnight on October 27, 2024. Their demands include the payment of the withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and the implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, previously invoked the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy during a prolonged strike by the university-based unions in 2022. The unions have given the government seven days to address their demands before further action is taken.