ABUJA — Talks between the Federal Government and non-academic staff unions in Nigeria’s public universities ended in a stalemate on Monday, prolonging the ongoing nationwide strike by members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
The industrial action, coordinated by the Joint Action Committee of both unions, has paralysed operations across public universities, disrupting administration, healthcare services, hostel management, and other critical support functions.
Negotiations between the parties are expected to resume later today, as efforts intensify to resolve the dispute.
The strike, which began on April 30, followed the expiration of a one-month ultimatum issued by the unions, demanding the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement covering non-teaching staff.
Several universities have already been affected by the disruption. The University of Maiduguri postponed its e-examinations, while workers at the University of Jos staged peaceful protests over unresolved welfare issues.
At the heart of the dispute is disagreement over salary adjustments. The unions rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 30 percent increment, insisting instead on a 40 percent increase. They also accused the government of sidelining established collective bargaining processes.
Sources at the meeting revealed that government representatives urged the unions to suspend the strike to allow negotiations to continue, but union leaders declined, citing the need for wider consultations.
SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the strike as fully effective, noting that compliance across institutions has resulted in a near-total shutdown.
“Our position remains unchanged. We are demanding fairness, equity, and proper consideration. The strike continues,” he said.
At the University of Jos, SSANU Chairperson Anthony Jauro criticised disparities in staff welfare, warning that continued inequality could escalate tensions within the university system.
Similarly, NASU Chairperson Monday Danjuma accused the Federal Ministry of Education of bias and called for urgent intervention to resolve the impasse.
The unions have reiterated their stance that the strike will persist until their demands are met and negotiations on the 2009 agreement are fully concluded.
