Nigeria: University shutdown deepens as FG, non-academic staff talks stall

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Talks between the Federal Government and non-academic university workers hit a deadlock on Tuesday, worsening a nationwide shutdown of public universities that has now entered its sixth day.

The meeting with the Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) ended without agreement. Both sides will reconvene today at 3 p.m.

The indefinite strike, which began April 30, has paralyzed clinics, administrative offices, hostels, and other support services across campuses. Compliance has been total, according to union leaders.

 A memo from the Exams and Time-Table Coordinator, Prof. Dani Mamman, said the rescheduling would stand “until the current strike is suspended

In Jos, SSANU and NASU members staged a peaceful protest Tuesday. They marched from the University of Jos main gate to the Senate Building, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs over unpaid welfare issues and stalled talks on the 2009 agreement.

The unions rejected the government’s 30% salary increase, insisting on 40% instead. They also accused the Federal Government of bypassing collective bargaining as required by labour law. The strike followed the expiration of a one-month ultimatum for the government to conclude renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.

Sources at Tuesday meeting said government negotiators explained why the 30% offer was withdrawn and appealed for the strike to be suspended while discussions continue. Union leaders refused to commit without consulting their members, prompting the adjournment.

“All clinics, administrative blocks, hostels, departments, faculty offices, finance offices, even those providing so-called essential services, have been ordered to withdraw,” he said. “Our position remains the same: we’ve asked for equity, consideration and fairness. The minimum benchmark remains 40%.”

At UNIJOS, SSANU Chairperson Anthony Jauro criticized what he called disparity in staff welfare. “Creating division among staff welfare in the university system is not good. Why create disparity? Are you trying to create a crisis?” he asked.

NASU Chairperson at UNIJOS, Tuesday Danjuma, accused the Federal Ministry of Education of taking sides. “We want them to know that the Minister of Education is taking sides and creating division within the university system.