The Federal Government is actively negotiating with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to end their ongoing strike over unpaid salaries. Both unions launched an indefinite strike on Monday, citing non-payment of four months’ salaries withheld during their 2022 strike.

Following a meeting with the unions’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, former Minister of State for Education and chair of the meeting, stated that discussions had reached an advanced stage. He assured the unions of the government’s commitment to stabilizing the education sector and resolving long-standing issues through a “holistic approach.”

Sununu highlighted the government’s goal of achieving a stable academic environment and asked the unions to continue their cooperation to support the Renewed Hope Agenda for quality education. JAC Chairman Hassan Makolo expressed optimism, indicating that the unions would call off the strike once their members confirmed receipt of salary payments. He also noted that the meeting addressed potential future issues to prevent recurring strikes.