In a bid to address the ongoing strike by university staff unions, Education Minister Tahir Mamman convened a meeting with the leaders of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
The strike, which began on Monday, was initiated by the unions as a protest against the Federal Government’s failure to pay four months of salaries withheld in 2022 due to a previous strike.
During the post-meeting press briefing in Abuja, Mamman expressed the government’s commitment to continuous dialogue, aiming to prevent further escalation.
“We anticipate no further complications. Our mutual understanding with the unions is key to ensuring stability within our tertiary institutions,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s efforts to restore trust and resolve the strike issue.
Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU’s General Secretary, acknowledged the government’s transparent approach but maintained that the strike would persist until a satisfactory government response is obtained.
“The government has informed us of their actions concerning our demands. As this is a warning strike, we expect these efforts to yield a positive outcome before its conclusion,” Adeyemi remarked, assuring the public of a review in due course but confirming the strike’s continuation for now.
NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, indicating that further consultations with their respective principals would precede any additional updates to the minister.
The collective stance of the unions underscores their determination to see tangible progress from the government’s side, which is crucial for the resumption of normalcy in universities.
