A meeting between the Federal Government and non-academic staff unions in Nigeria’s public universities ended without resolution on Monday, as the ongoing nationwide strike by members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) continued.
The industrial action, coordinated by the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU, has brought activities across public universities to a standstill, affecting key operations such as administration, healthcare services, hostels, and academic support units.
Discussions between both parties are expected to resume today at 3 p.m. as efforts continue to break the impasse.
The strike, which began on April 30, followed the expiration of a one-month ultimatum issued by the unions to the government to finalise the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement concerning non-teaching staff.
Several institutions have already felt the impact. The University of Maiduguri postponed its e-examinations due to the disruption, while at the University of Jos, union members staged a peaceful protest over unresolved welfare concerns and delays in concluding negotiations.
A major sticking point remains the disagreement over salary adjustments. The unions rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 30 per cent increase, insisting on a 40 per cent raise. They also criticised the government for allegedly bypassing established collective bargaining procedures.
Sources at the meeting indicated that government representatives explained the withdrawal of the earlier offer and urged the unions to suspend the strike while talks continue. However, union leaders declined to commit without broader consultation, leading to the adjournment.
SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the strike as fully effective, noting that compliance across universities has resulted in a total shutdown of services.
“Our position has not changed. We are asking for fairness, equity, and proper consideration. The strike continues,” he said.
In a memo, the University of Maiduguri confirmed that examinations would be rescheduled until the strike is called off.
At the University of Jos, protesters marched to the Senate Building, voicing concerns over disparities in staff welfare. SSANU Chairperson Anthony Jauro criticised what he described as unequal treatment among university staff, warning that such divisions could trigger deeper crises.
Similarly, NASU Chairperson Monday Danjuma accused the Federal Ministry of Education of bias, urging the government to act decisively to resolve the dispute.
The unions have maintained that the strike will persist until their demands are addressed and negotiations on the 2009 agreement are concluded.
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