The Federal Government announced yesterday it is in advanced negotiations 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.

The unions began the strike on Monday in response to the government withholding four months of salaries during their 2022 industrial action.

Following a meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the former Minister of State for Education who chaired the discussions under the directive of the new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, assured that the government is committed to finding a swift resolution.

Sununu stated that the government is employing a holistic approach to address both the immediate concerns of withheld wages and other potential issues that may arise within the education sector. “We have reviewed the reasons for the strike and briefed them on ongoing efforts. We all agreed that we are in the advanced stage of addressing the situation,” Sununu said, underscoring the government’s commitment to stability in the academic calendar.

Hassan Makolo, Chairman of NASU’s Joint Action Committee (JAC), indicated that the unions would end the strike as soon as members confirm the payment of their withheld salaries. “We had a frank discussion, and if our members receive alerts, the strike will be called off,” he stated, noting that both unions are hopeful of a resolution without the need for further agitation.