The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have suspended the indefinite nationwide strike earlier scheduled to begin on May 11.
The decision followed fresh assurances from the Federal Government over the ongoing renegotiation of agreements with university-based unions.
President of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the development during an interview in Abuja on Sunday.
According to him, both unions agreed to suspend the industrial action after the Federal Government’s Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee appealed for more time to conclude discussions and finalise pending agreements.
Ibrahim explained that the unions had now given the government a two-week deadline to complete the renegotiation process and formally sign all agreements reached during discussions.
“We are giving a two-week window to conclude the renegotiation exercise and sign agreements as promised,” he said.
The SSANU president stated that the government committee assured the unions that the process would be concluded within the agreed period.
He noted that the suspension of the strike was based on what he described as firm commitments from government representatives and warned that the unions would closely monitor compliance with the timeline.
According to him, the temporary suspension should not be mistaken for a total withdrawal of the unions’ demands, stressing that all unresolved issues must be addressed without further delay.
“The suspension is temporary and strictly based on the understanding that the government will meet the agreed timeline,” Ibrahim stated.
He warned that failure by the government to fulfil its promises could trigger another round of industrial action across public tertiary institutions nationwide.
“We will closely monitor the negotiations within the two-week window. All outstanding issues must be resolved without further delay,” he added.
The Joint Action Committee of SSANU and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions had earlier directed members on May 1 to prepare for an indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved welfare and salary-related disputes.
Among the major demands of the unions are the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, a review of salary structures and the full implementation of collective bargaining agreements.
The unions are also demanding improved welfare packages for members, payment of outstanding allowances and arrears, as well as the rejection of what they described as unilateral salary proposals, including the reported 30 per cent salary increase offer.
The latest development is expected to temporarily ease concerns over a possible shutdown of activities in public universities and other tertiary institutions across the country.
