SSANU, NASU Press FG to Fast-Track Talks, Warn Against Industrial Unrest
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have urged the Federal Government to swiftly conclude ongoing renegotiations with their unions, warning that further delays could threaten industrial peace in public universities.
The non-teaching staff unions, operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), made the call in a statement signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President and Chairman of JAC, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim.
While congratulating the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on the recent signing of an agreement with the Federal Government on staff welfare and related issues, the unions cautioned against sidelining non-academic staff in the reform process.
“The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU extends its felicitations to our sister Union ASUU, on the milestone achieved today January 14, 2025 as it signs what appeared to be an elusive Agreement with the Federal Government for improved working conditions for its members,” the statement said.
However, JAC warned that any delay in concluding negotiations with SSANU and NASU after ASUU’s agreement could have serious consequences for stability in the university system.
“JAC of NASU and SSANU remains committed to the entrenchment of industrial harmony and sustainable communities in our Universities, and calls on the Federal Government to ensure expedited action in the ongoing renegotiation with NASU and SSANU,” the unions said.
They added that “any further delay after the signing of today’s agreement with our sister Union would be tantamount to a clear invitation to chaos, and the distortion of industrial peace which we have continued to maintain despite Government’s continued insensitivity to the University system and the gruesome conditions under which our members are made to work.”
The unions stressed that a timely conclusion of the renegotiation process would help prevent any breakdown of industrial harmony in the sector.
“JAC notes that timely conclusion of the ongoing renegotiation with NASU and SSANU would avert the breakdown of industrial peace and harmony in the system, and hereby advises the Federal Government not to stir the hornet’s nest through any form of delay tactics,” the statement added.
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