FG meets NASU, SSANU, seek end to strike as negotiations progresses

The Federal Government has called on the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to suspend their strike, now in its fifth day, as discussions to address their concerns advance.

Outgoing Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, representing the new Minister, Dr. Tunji Alaussa, made the appeal on Thursday, emphasizing ongoing efforts to resolve the issues at the heart of the industrial action.

The indefinite strike, prompted by the government’s failure to pay four months of withheld salaries from 2022, has led to the shutdown of public universities nationwide since Monday.

Dr. Sununu reassured union leaders of the government’s commitment, stating, “We have reviewed the reasons for the strike and briefed them on the Federation Ministry of Education’s efforts to resolve the issues.” He added that negotiations were at an advanced stage and urged the unions to support the goal of a stable academic environment.

Comrade Hassan Makolo, chairman of the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU, expressed optimism after the discussions.

He confirmed that the unions would end the strike once members confirm receipt of the unpaid salaries, adding, “We are hopeful these commitments will avert future disputes over similar issues.”