TALKS between the Federal Government and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the non-teaching staff unions ended in deadlock on Monday in Abuja, as key issues remained unresolved.
The JAC comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
The meeting, convened by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, was adjourned to May 5 at 3pm for further negotiations.
The unions began an indefinite strike on April 30 following the expiration of a one-month ultimatum to the federal government over the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement. They are protesting the Federal Government’s proposed 30 per cent salary increase, insisting on a 40 per cent adjustment through collective bargaining.
The Federal Government had earlier withdrawn the 30 per cent offer, a decision the unions described as unilateral and lacking proper consultation.
Speaking on the industrial action, SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, said the strike was fully complied with nationwide, paralysing administrative and essential services in universities.
“Our demands remain unchanged. We are demanding fairness, equity and proper consideration for our members. The 40 per cent benchmark is the minimum acceptable position for us, and the strike continues until meaningful progress is achieved,” he said.
Ibrahim added that administrative offices, clinics, hostels, and finance departments had been shut across universities due to total compliance with the strike directive.
The strike has also disrupted academic activities. The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has postponed its e-examinations due to the disruptions. In a memo issued by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the institution stated that the examinations would be rescheduled until the strike is suspended.
Meanwhile, the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) chapter of SSANU and NASU has joined the nationwide strike, staging a peaceful protest at Freedom Park in Ile-Ife on Monday, displaying placards with various inscriptions.
Comrade Ademola Junaid, Chairman of SSANU at OAU, reiterated that the strike was due to the Federal Government’s failure to conclude and implement the 2009 agreement.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for intervention loans to improve workers’ welfare, Junaid bemoaned the suffering of members, stating that the government has not been sincere about their plight.
Similarly, Comrade Dayo Oyediwura, Chairman of NASU at OAU, alleged that the Federal Government had answered the demands of one union in the university system while neglecting others, urging the government to be fair and just in dealing with all unions.
“Our position remains the same. We are asking for fairness and equity, and nothing has changed,” Comrade Ibrahim affirmed, as the strike continues until meaningful progress is achieved.
