In a bid to resolve the ongoing strike among non-teaching university staff, the Ministry of Education’s meeting with the striking unions ended in a stalemate.
Despite efforts to convince them to suspend the strike over salary discrepancies, the unions remained adamant, insisting on the immediate payment of withheld salaries approved by President Bola Tinubu.
At the heart of the deadlock were the uncompromising demands of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
They reiterated that their primary concern was the prompt settlement of the outstanding salaries rather than engaging in further discussions.
Expressing disappointment, the unions highlighted the government’s failure to translate promises into tangible actions.
Despite assurances from high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the non-teaching staff felt neglected.
They underscored the disparity between the treatment of their grievances and the prompt resolution of issues faced by their academic counterparts in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The deadlock unfolded during a tense session at the Conference Hall of the Education Ministry, commencing at 1 pm. Representing the government were Minister Mamman, Minister Sununu, and senior officials from the ministry.
On the side of the unions stood key figures such as SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi, and NAAT President Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma.
