FG, SSANU, NASU Talks Stall As Strike Continues Across Nigerian Universities

Negotiations between the Federal Government and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in universities ended without resolution on Monday in Abuja, with major issues still unresolved.

The JAC, which includes the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, met with government representatives in a session convened by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. However, the talks were adjourned to May 5 for further discussions.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, both unions commenced an indefinite strike on April 30 after a one-month ultimatum issued to the government expired without resolution, particularly over the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.

At the centre of the dispute is the federal government’s proposed 30 per cent salary increase, which the unions have rejected, insisting instead on a 40 per cent adjustment through collective bargaining. The unions also criticised the government’s withdrawal of the 30 per cent offer, describing it as unilateral and lacking adequate consultation.

Speaking on the ongoing industrial action, SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the strike has been fully observed nationwide, significantly disrupting administrative and essential services in universities.

“Our demands remain unchanged. The 40 per cent benchmark is the minimum acceptable position for us, and the strike continues until meaningful progress is achieved,” he said.

Ibrahim noted that administrative offices, health centres, hostels, and finance departments across universities have been shut down due to strict compliance with the strike directive.

The impact of the strike is already being felt across institutions. At the University of Maiduguri, e-examinations have been postponed due to the disruptions. Similarly, academic and administrative activities have been severely affected at Ahmadu Bello University, where key facilities such as the Senate building, library, and sickbay were reportedly locked.

Further findings revealed that essential departments, including works and estate units, have also been shut, leading to disruptions in water and electricity supply within the university.

During a peaceful protest at the main campus of ABU, Shuaibu Ahmed Halilu, Chairman of the SSANU ABU branch, confirmed that the strike action aligns with the directive of the union’s national leadership.