Tension Rises As FG, SSANU, NASU Talks End In Stalemate

The industrial action, led by the unions’ Joint Action Committee, has effectively crippled operations across public universities, shutting down clinics, administrative offices, hostels, and other support services. Discussions are expected to resume later, as both sides attempt to find common ground.

The strike, which began after a one-month ultimatum expired, has already disrupted academic activities, with institutions like the University of Maiduguri postponing scheduled examinations. At the University of Jos, union members staged a peaceful protest over unresolved welfare concerns and delays in renegotiating agreements with the government.

At the heart of the dispute is a disagreement over salary adjustments. While the government proposed a 30 percent increase, the unions rejected the offer, insisting on a 40 percent raise and accusing authorities of bypassing proper collective bargaining procedures.

Sources indicated that government representatives explained the withdrawal of the earlier offer and urged the unions to suspend the strike during ongoing negotiations. However, union leaders declined to make that commitment without wider consultation, leading to the adjournment of talks.

SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the strike as fully effective, noting widespread compliance nationwide. He reiterated that the unions’ demand for fairness and equity remains unchanged.

Meanwhile, university authorities have begun adjusting schedules in response to the disruption. In Maiduguri, exams have been postponed, while in Jos, union leaders criticised what they described as unequal treatment among staff and delays in addressing non-teaching staff concerns.

The unions maintain that the strike will continue until their demands are met and negotiations on the longstanding agreement are fully concluded.