Negotiations between the Federal Government and university non-teaching staff unions have ended without agreement, as both sides failed to resolve key issues during a meeting held in Abuja.
The discussions involved the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which represents the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions. The meeting was convened by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, but concluded in a deadlock.
Talks have been rescheduled to continue later, as both parties attempt to find common ground.
The impasse follows an ongoing indefinite strike declared by SSANU and NASU on April 30, after a one-month ultimatum to the government expired without resolution over the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.
At the heart of the dispute is salary adjustment. While the Federal Government initially proposed a 30 percent increase—later withdrawn—the unions are insisting on a 40 percent pay rise through collective bargaining, describing it as the minimum acceptable benchmark.
SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the strike has been widely observed across the country, leading to the shutdown of key university operations, including administrative offices, health centres, hostels, and finance departments.
He stressed that the unions would not back down until their demands for fairness and equity are addressed, noting that there has been no shift in their position.
The impact of the strike is already being felt in academic institutions. At the University of Maiduguri, scheduled e-examinations have been postponed due to disruptions caused by the industrial action.
In an official memo issued by the Vice-Chancellor’s office and signed by Exams and Time-Table Coordinator, Dani Mamman, the university confirmed that the examinations would be rescheduled once the strike is called off.
