SSANUU

FG disburses funds for NASU salaries, retiree benefits

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has disbursed funds to settle withheld salaries of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU) and benefits for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS).

This was disclosed by Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.

Mokwa noted that payments to NASU members had begun, with many recipients confirming they had received the funds.

He stated the government’s commitment to supporting Nigerian workers and retirees.The Daily Reality reported that NASU, alongside the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), had launched a nationwide strike on Monday.

According to SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim, the strike would continue for seven days unless the government addresses grievances over payment disparities among university unions.

FG meets with NASU, SSANU, calls for suspension of strike

By Anwar Usman 

The Federal Government has called on the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to call off their strike, which is now in its fifth day. 

This call was made by outgoing Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, who led the government delegation in discussions with the union leaders on Thursday. 

Sununu, representing new Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alaussa, stated that efforts were underway to address the issues leading to the industrial action.

Public universities across Nigeria had shut down since Monday due to the indefinite strike by NASU and SSANU, who are protesting the government’s failure to release four months of withheld salaries from 2022. 

During the negotiation, Dr. Sununu confirmed to the union leaders of the government’s commitment to resolving the matter.

He was quoted as saying, “We have reviewed the reasons for the strike and briefed them on the Federation Ministry of Education’s efforts to resolve the issues.”

He stated that discussions had reached an advanced stage and appealed for cooperation from union members to achieve a stable academic environment. 

The chairman of the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU, Comrade Hassan Makolo, expressed optimism regarding the meeting’s outcomes.

He assured that the unions would suspend the strike once their members confirm receipt of the withheld salaries.

“We had a productive discussion. By the time our members receive payment alerts, the strike will be over,” Makolo said.

He added that the unions are hopeful these commitments will prevent future disputes over similar issues.