Education: Nigerian Government, SSANU and NASU resume talks over strike

*The Nigerian Government and the Joint Action Committee comprising the non-teaching staff unions in Universities resume discussions on the University workers’ strike Tuesday, May 5

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Following the recent stalemate in the discussions, the Nigerian Government and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the non-teaching staff unions in Universities are expected to resume talks on the University workers’ strike.

The JAC is comprised of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

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ConsumerConnect reports the representatives of the Federal Government, and the various unions earlier, had left the parley without resolving the key issues at the negotiation table.

The stakeholders at the deadlocked meeting, convened by Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister for Education, was adjourned till Tuesday, by 3.00p.m. for further negotiations in Abuja, FCT.

Why SSANU, NASU members are on strike

It is recalled that SSANU and NASU began an indefinite strike April 30, after the expiration of a month’s ultimatum to the Federal Government over the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement.

The University unions are protesting against the Federal Government’s proposed 30 percent salary increase.

The workers have insisted on a 40 percent adjustment through collective bargaining.

The Federal Government had earlier withdrawn the 30 percent offer, a decision the unions described as unilateral and lacking proper consultation, according to report.

Speaking on the industrial action, Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, said the strike was fully complied with nationwide, paralysing administrative and essential services across the Nigerian Universities.

Ibrahim stated: “Our demands remain unchanged. We are demanding fairness, equity and proper consideration for our members.

“The 40 percent benchmark is the minimum acceptable position for us, and the strike continues until meaningful progress is achieved.”

The Labour leader also disclosed that administrative offices, clinics, accommodation hostels and finance departments had been shut across Universities as regards total compliance with the strike directive.

He further explained: “Our position remains the same. We are asking for fairness and equity, and nothing has changed.”

Meanwhile, the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), in Borno State, has postponed its e-examinations due to disruptions caused by the workers’ strike.

The University, in a memo issued by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and signed by the Exams and Time-Table Coordinator, Prof. Dani Mamman, said that the examinations would be rescheduled until the strike was suspended.

The memo noted: “In view of the non-teaching staff strike, the above examinations will be rescheduled until the current strike is suspended.”

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