The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in a bid to quell escalating tensions in Nigeria’s higher education sector, has called on the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) to suspend their ongoing seven-day warning strike that commenced on Monday.
In a statement released by Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations, Hon. Onyejeocha expressed her disappointment with the unions’ decision to strike, labelling it a blatant disregard for the federal government’s efforts to address their concerns.
“The Ministry was not officially notified by the unions of their intention to proceed on a seven-day warning strike, which is contrary to the provisions of Section 18 of the Trade Dispute Act,” the Minister stated. This legal stipulation mandates that unions must notify the government prior to initiating strike actions, allowing for potential mediation.
Upon learning of the planned strike, the Ministry attempted to convene an emergency meeting with the union leaders to avert the industrial action. “Unfortunately, a physical meeting could not be arranged, but a telephonic discussion took place between their leadership and the Ministry,” Onyejeocha explained.
The Minister noted that during these discussions, the Ministry proposed a new date for a comprehensive conciliation meeting on March 18. However, the unions rejected this proposal, which left the Minister perplexed. “The Minister has always maintained that strikes do not serve any useful purpose and should only be used as a last resort after exhausting all conciliatory efforts,” the statement continued.
Onyejeocha urged the leadership of SSANU and NASU to reconsider their hard-line stance and engage in constructive dialogue with the federal government. “I appeal to the unions to step back from this action and come to the negotiation table for the benefit of their members and the education sector as a whole,” she implored.
The unions have cited various grievances that led to the strike, including issues related to salary payments and working conditions. The frustration among union members has reached a boiling point, leading them to feel that a strike was their only recourse. However, the Minister urged all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.
“It is essential for all Nigerians to take actions that contribute to the well-being of our nation and its citizens. Strikes create further disruptions that are ultimately detrimental to our collective goals,” she said.
