Striking university unions which include the Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities will meet with the Federal Government today (Thursday) to hold talks.
SSANU Vice-President Abdussobur Salaam confirmed to PUNCH Online on Thursday morning that the union received an official invitation from the Federal Government on Wednesday night.
“We received a formal invitation last night. The meeting is scheduled for 11 am today. It will be presided over by the Minister of State for Education and will be held in the Minister’s Conference Room,” he said.
The unions, under JAC, began an indefinite strike on Monday due to four months of unpaid salaries, leading to a shutdown of university activities nationwide.
READ ALSO: SSANU, NASU strike persists amid government silence
SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim noted that top university officials, including Vice-Chancellors, bursars, and registrars, also hadn’t been paid, further impacting university operations.
He added that 98% of members complied with the strike, and they will not return to work until their demands are met.
He said: “It is a long-term battle because this strike also involves Vice-Chancellors, bursars, registrars, and other senior administrators who were not paid. The impact is significant, and no one from the government has reached out to us. We have withdrawn our services, and our members are resolute they will not return to work until all salaries are paid.”
The two unions said it was appalling that despite several ultimatums issued to the government, no positive result has come from the government.
The two unions directed their members in all public universities and inter-university centres throughout the country to “hold a joint congress in their respective campuses on Monday, October 28, 2024, and proceed on an indefinite, comprehensive and total strike action as no concession should be given in any guise”.
The SSANU President said the government reached out to the striking unions on Monday but the meeting was nothing to look forward to based on antecedents of failed negotiations.
He added that compliance with the strike was encouraging, achieving 98 per cent adherence.
The unions are demanding, among others, the payment of the four-month withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances and implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government.
Credible News.ng
