‘Call Off Your Nationwide Strike’ – FG Meets SSANU, NASU

The Federal Government has urged the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to end their strike.

Naija News reports that this appeal was made by Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the outgoing Minister of State for Education, who led discussions with union leaders on Thursday on behalf of the new Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alaussa.

Sununu reassured that measures were being implemented to resolve the grievances leading to the strike.

Public universities across Nigeria have been closed since Monday as NASU and SSANU commenced an indefinite strike over the government’s non-release of four months’ withheld salaries from 2022.

During the discussions, Dr. Sununu emphasized the government’s dedication to finding a resolution, stating, “We have reviewed the strike’s causes and informed the unions of the Ministry of Education’s actions to address the issues.”

He added that negotiations were progressing and requested union members’ cooperation to maintain a stable academic atmosphere.

The chairman of NASU and SSANU’s Joint Action Committee, Comrade Hassan Makolo, expressed a positive outlook following the meeting.

He assured that the strike would be suspended as soon as members confirm receipt of the unpaid salaries.

“We had a constructive dialogue… Once payment is confirmed, the strike will end,” Makolo said, noting that the unions hope these assurances will help prevent future disputes over similar issues.