The Federal Government has called for an end to the ongoing strike by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
This appeal was made during a meeting led by Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the outgoing Minister of State for Education, on Thursday.
Public universities across Nigeria have been shut down since Monday as NASU and SSANU initiated an indefinite strike in response to the government’s failure to release four months’ withheld salaries from 2022.
Dr. Sununu, representing the new Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alaussa, reassured union leaders that steps were being taken to address their grievances.
“We have reviewed the strike’s causes and informed the unions of the Ministry of Education’s actions to address the issues,” Sununu stated.
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He emphasized that negotiations are progressing and called for cooperation from union members to ensure a stable academic environment.
Comrade Hassan Makolo, chairman of NASU and SSANU’s Joint Action Committee, expressed optimism following the discussions.
He indicated that the strike would be suspended once members confirm receipt of the owed salaries.
“We had a constructive dialogue… Once payment is confirmed, the strike will end,” Makolo noted, expressing hope that these assurances will help avert future disputes.