The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Allied and Education Institutions (NASU) suspended their strike actions on Saturday following a brief meeting with the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, in Abuja.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU and spokesperson for the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU, the suspension was confirmed and details of the agreement were shared with journalists in Abuja. The statement reads:
“The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) hereby announces the suspension of its ongoing strike effective from Wednesday, 24 August 2022 for an initial two months.”
Adeyemi further explained that the decision followed the completion of negotiations between JAC and the federal government team, led by Education Minister Mallam Adamu Adamu. The two-month suspension period is intended to give the government time to implement the agreements reached.
Among the terms of the agreement, the government has committed to setting aside N50 billion for the payment of earned academic and earned allowances, reaching a significant conclusion on the University Peculiar Personnel Payroll System (U3PS), releasing the white paper on the university visitation panel, and enhancing university funding.
On the issue of federal institutions’ funding, Minister Adamu stated that he directed the National Universities Commission (NUC) to ensure that all institutions meet their required responsibilities. Institutions that fail to comply will face sanctions. The Minister also reassured union members that none would face victimization for their involvement in the strike.
“The Minister of Education also gave an assurance that no member of the unions that participated in the strike will be victimised,” the statement continued.
Additionally, the Minister confirmed President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to allocate 15 percent of the national budget to education. Addressing the salary payment system, he noted that the alternative payment systems presented by ASUU, NASU, and SSANU have shown positive results, and the government is awaiting the technical committee’s report before making a final decision.
Peters Adeyemi concluded by explaining that, following extensive negotiations and discussions, the unions decided to suspend the strike.
“When we presented the offers that the government made to our members, they think that since the majority of the issues that are in contention have been substantially addressed by the government, the strike is hereby suspended effective this Wednesday, 24 August 2022,” he stated.
This suspension grants the government an opportunity to implement agreed terms while addressing the unions’ key demands.
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