FG Moves to Avert University Shutdown as SSANU, NASU, NAAT Hold Crucial Talks Over April 30 Strike Deadline
FG Moves to Avert University Shutdown as SSANU, NASU, NAAT Hold Crucial Talks Over April 30 Strike Deadline
The Federal Government is making a last-minute effort to prevent a looming nationwide shutdown of universities as it meets with key non-teaching staff unions over an impending strike deadline.
The meeting involves the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), all of whom have issued an April 30 ultimatum to the government.
The unions are demanding the conclusion of long-standing renegotiations on welfare, salaries, allowances, and other entitlements affecting university workers across the country.
The crisis stems from unresolved issues in the renegotiation process, which the unions say has dragged on without a final agreement. They insist that failure to meet their demands by April 30 will trigger an indefinite and comprehensive strike across public universities.
As part of efforts to avert industrial action, the Federal Government has invited the union leaders for a high-level meeting in Abuja to review outstanding demands and explore possible resolutions before the deadline.
Union leaders have maintained that their position remains unchanged, stressing that they will not accept any agreement that falls short of previously negotiated terms.
They also rejected a proposed 30 percent salary adjustment, describing it as inadequate and not reflective of collective bargaining agreements.
Education stakeholders warn that a breakdown in talks could disrupt academic and administrative activities nationwide, further affecting students and the stability of the university system.
Negotiations are ongoing, with both parties expected to determine the next course of action before the expiration of the April 30 deadline.
