Negotiations between the Federal Government and non-academic staff unions in Nigeria’s public universities ended without resolution on Monday, as the ongoing nationwide strike by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) persisted.
The industrial action, led by the Joint Action Committee of both unions, has significantly disrupted activities across public universities, halting essential services and administrative operations.
Although discussions ended in a stalemate, both parties are expected to reconvene for further talks.
The strike, which began on April 30, has led to the closure of key units such as university clinics, hostels, administrative offices, and other support services. Academic institutions have already begun to feel the impact, with the University of Maiduguri postponing its scheduled e-examinations due to the disruption.
At the University of Jos, union members staged a peaceful protest, expressing frustration over unresolved welfare issues and delays in renegotiating agreements with the government.
The strike followed the expiration of a one-month ultimatum issued by the unions, demanding the conclusion of negotiations on the 2009 agreement governing non-teaching staff.
A major sticking point in the talks is salary adjustment. The unions rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 30 percent increase, insisting on a 40 percent rise and accusing authorities of bypassing due collective bargaining procedures.
Government representatives reportedly appealed to the unions to suspend the strike while discussions continue, but union leaders declined to make such a commitment without broader consultation, resulting in the adjournment of the meeting.
SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the strike as fully effective nationwide, noting that all affected departments and essential services had been shut down in compliance with the directive.
He maintained that the unions’ demand for fairness and a 40 percent salary adjustment remains unchanged, stressing that the strike will continue until their demands are addressed.
Meanwhile, the University of Maiduguri confirmed the postponement of examinations, citing the absence of non-teaching staff as a major challenge.
At the University of Jos, union leaders criticised what they described as unequal treatment among university workers, warning that disparities in welfare could create divisions within the system.
They also accused the Federal Ministry of Education of bias, urging the government to act fairly and resolve outstanding issues.
The unions have reaffirmed their commitment to the strike, insisting it will remain in force until negotiations are concluded and their demands are met.
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