Varsity shutdown deepens as unions insist on “no work” directive despite fresh FG talks
Striking non-academic staff in Nigeria’s public universities have intensified enforcement of a nationwide shutdown, insisting that “nothing has changed” in their demands despite ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government.
The action, led by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU, has crippled core university operations, with workers withdrawing services across administrative offices, clinics, hostels and other support units.
At the University of Maiduguri, authorities were forced to postpone e-examinations due to the absence of essential personnel, while workers at the University of Jos staged protests to press home their demands.
Talks between government representatives and union leaders ended in a deadlock, with both sides failing to reach agreement. Another meeting has been scheduled, but unions say the strike remains fully in force.
Speaking on the situation, SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the strike as highly effective, declaring: “It’s very effective — total shutdown for now.”
He emphasised that compliance cuts across all units, adding: “All clinics, administrative blocks, hostels, departments, faculty offices, admin offices, finance offices, even those providing so-called essential services, have been ordered to withdraw.”
On the unions’ demands, Ibrahim maintained that their position remains unchanged, stressing: “Our position remains the same: we’ve asked for equity, consideration and fairness, so nothing has changed.”
He further noted that while they are open to dialogue, the strike will continue, saying: “We will go and listen to them at the meeting, but the strike is on.”
The dispute centres on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement for non-teaching staff. The unions rejected the Federal Government’s earlier 30 per cent salary increase offer, insisting on a minimum of 40 per cent.
At University of Jos, union leaders also voiced concerns over disparities in staff welfare.
SSANU Chairperson, Anthony Jauro, criticised what he described as unequal treatment within the system, asking: “Our advice to government is that creating division among staff welfare in the university system is not good. Why create disparity? Are you trying to create a crisis?”
He pointed out that while agreements with some unions had seen partial implementation, others remained unresolved.
Similarly, NASU Chairperson, Monday Danjuma, accused the authorities of bias, stating: “My call is that the Federal Government should do the needful. We want them to know that the Minister of Education is taking sides and creating division within the university system.”
Sources at the meeting disclosed that government officials appealed to the unions to suspend the strike while negotiations continue, explaining circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of the earlier offer.
However, union leaders declined to commit immediately, opting instead to consult their organs before taking any decision.
With both sides holding firm, the strike—triggered after the expiration of a one-month ultimatum—continues to disrupt academic calendars and campus life nationwide, leaving students in prolonged uncertainty.
