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Tag: NASU

  • Strike paralyses activities at Bayelsa polytechnic

    Strike paralyses activities at Bayelsa polytechnic

    The shutdown of Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe in Bayelsa by Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) has persisted for nine days following a face-off between workers and management of the institution over deductions of union dues.

    Union leaders said that the institution would remain under lock until the Rector and Governing Council Chairman are removed to pave way for the face-off to be resolved.

    NASU had on July 11 shut down the institution over withheld June salary and non-remmittance of four months union dues of its members.

    The aggrieved workers locked up the institution’s liaison office in Yenagoa, the main campus at Ekowe and the residence of the Rector in Yenagoa.

    The management of the polytechnic on Thursday released the withheld June salary of NASU members but failed to remit outstanding union dues.

    The Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe chapter of NASU vowed that the institution would remain under locks until the check-off dues dispute is resolved.

    Mr Etebu Ebifiye, NASU Chairman, in the polytechnic told NAN that the non-remmittance of union dues by the management was a breach of labour laws and a threat to industrial harmony.

    According to him, the non deduction and remittance of union dues from members’ salaries was an existential threat to NASU at the polytechnic located on the bank of River Nun in Southern Ijaws Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

    Ebifiye said that the rector directed the payment of the withheld salary without remitting check-off dues for June in addition to January, February, March ænd April 2025 which triggered an industrial action in the institution.

    He explained that although the Rector had called for truce to end the industrial action, only a reversal of the four months check-off dues and removal of the Rector will make the workers shift grounds and unlock the institution.

    “We have been occupying the polytechnic’s liaison office in Yenagoa since July 11. The Rector had tried in vain to use force to disperse us by making a false report that we are vandalising the Polythecnic’s facilities.

    “Armed security men in four vans came to forcefully open the gates but when they saw no sign of vandalism, they left. We cannot resort to vandalising property left in our care. It is our property and we are poised to protect and not vandalise.

    “We have occupied this place and kept vigil here and until the check-off dues is restored, we go nowhere. The Rector has called me and I told him our stand. We are waiting for him to act and we unlock the gates,” the labour leader said.

    Ebifiye noted that NASU members were tacitly denied promotion as their appraisal forms were not endorsed.

    He said: “The rector is not worker-friendly, he has demonstrated that he lacks capacity to run the institution, what he did is an attempt to kill the union and we will not succumb to his whims and caprices, we shall ensure that we fight till he is removed from office.

    “He directed all the Heads of Departments and the Deans that NASU members should not be appraised, a decision that affects the career progress of hundreds of our members

    “As long as NASU members are excluded from the promotion , we will make sure that the promotion exercise doesn’t hold here,” Ebifiye said. .

    However, in his reaction, Mr Nimizuo Pereseigha, Public Relations Officer of Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe said that the management remains committed to peaceful resolution of the dispute through dialogue.

    He explained that NASU leadership has been rebuffing moves by management to discuss and resolve the labour crisis.

    “The management got reports from the workforce that some workers have their union dues remitted to unions they do not belong to. Some workers also got upgraded for instance from non academic to academic cadre and their union dues still go to NASU whereas they now belong to Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics ASUP).

    “To resolve this the management asked the three unions we have here to have their members update their membership status and endorse consent forms.

    “Out of three unions, ASUP, NASU and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), ASUP and SSANIP complied and submitted consent forms to validate their memberships but NASU refused to comply.

    “Consequently, management deducted union dues for the two unions that regularised the status of their members and for NASU members, 100 per cent of their salaries were paid without deduction of the two per cent union dues,” Pereseigha said.

    On the alleged exclusion of NASU members from promotion, Pereseigha said that while the NASU members were on strike, the members of other unions completed and submitted their performance assessment forms only to turn back to blame the Rector, Dr Lukman Adegoke for a process concluded while they were on strike.

    Pereseigha noted that the management as part of efforts to resolve the dispute has asked NASU members to fill and submit their appraisal forms to participate in the promotion exercise but they have yet to respond.

    The Public Relations Officer said that a reconciliation meeting has been scheduled to hold on Sunday evening to chart a way out of the crisis.

  • SSANU, NASU reject N50bn disbursement formula, demand equity

    SSANU, NASU reject N50bn disbursement formula, demand equity

    The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the different non academic unions in the Nigerian universities has firmly rejected the Federal Government’s approved formula for disbursing N50 billion to university-based unions.

    The unions are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

    The unions made their decision known in a joint statement signed by NASU General Secretary, Mr Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, and made available to journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

    The unions expressed outrage over the allocation of 80 per cent of the funds to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), leaving only 20 per cent to be shared among SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

    JAC described the allocation as “grossly unfair, provocative, and unacceptable,” warning that the imbalance could deepen existing divides between teaching and non-teaching staff in Nigerian universities and potentially lead to industrial unrest.

    According to them, non-teaching staff are not second-class citizens but key contributors to the functionality, administration, research, and overall development of the university system.

    “This is not about union rivalry but about fairness and recognition,” the statement read.

    “The government must acknowledge the pivotal role of non-teaching staff in the stability and progress of Nigerian universities.”

    JAC called on the federal government to urgently review and reverse the distribution formula, warning that proceeding with the current arrangement could provoke widespread dissatisfaction and industrial disharmony.

    “The time to correct this injustice is now. A stitch in time saves nine,” the statement warned.

     

     

  • Tinubu fulfills promise to varsity unions, releases N50bn to ASUU, NASU

    Tinubu fulfills promise to varsity unions, releases N50bn to ASUU, NASU

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday by Director Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.

    Alausa said that the money was for settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu.

    According to him, this ‘landmark development’ stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.

    “It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure and human capital.

    “This intervention is not just a financial transaction, it is a reaffirmation of our president’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youths and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.

    “By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education,” he said.

    The minister expressed the president’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across the country’s federal institutions.

    “Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history.

    “This is a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” he said.

    Alausa pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child had access to quality education comparable to global standards.

  • JUST IN: NASU, SSANU suspend strike for one month

    JUST IN: NASU, SSANU suspend strike for one month

    The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non teaching staff unions in tertiary institutions, says it has suspended its ongoing strike for one month, effective from November 5.

    JAC comprises of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

    Mr Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU said this in a statement jointly signed by Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU on Sunday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that JAC  had directed it members to embark on an indefinite strike on Oct. 28, to  demand for non- payment of four months salaries and non- implementation of other demands.

    It said the decision to suspend the ongoing strike for a month was due to exhaustive deliberations held with the Federal Government.

    According to him, these high-level engagements culminated into extracting an irrevocable commitment from the Federal Government that two out of the four months salaries would be paid in staggered forms.

    He said that a payment of the agreement had been made in October 2024, adding that the second month would be paid by the end of November.

    ”Arising from the above and in view of the level of commitment exhibited by the new Minister of Education and the leadership of the Department of State Services.

    “The leadership of JAC, after several contacts and other patriotic considerations, hereby directs that the ongoing  strike be suspended for one month effective Tuesday, Nov. 5,  2024.

    “Branch leaders of both NASU and SSANU are hereby directed to convene a joint congress in their respective campuses.

    “We wish to reiterate that discussions on the remaining two months, the N5O billion Earned Allowances, Arrears of 25/35 per cent and the Wage Award have been revisited and are undergoing deliberations,” it said.

  • BREAKING: FG releases funds to clear NASU salaries, retirees’ benefits

    BREAKING: FG releases funds to clear NASU salaries, retirees’ benefits

    President Bola Tinubu-led administration has released funds to settle the outstanding salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Federal Universities.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa on Saturday confirmed the payment, clarifying that payments to NASU members have commenced, with many already confirming receipt of their salaries.

    TNG understands that the released funds will also cover the payment of benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.

    The statement read, “The Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salary of Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities.

    “According to the OAGF, the Federal Government has also released funds for payment of benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector.

    “The OAGF said payments to the Non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities had commenced and many have confirmed receipt.”

    The OAGF has reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to the well-being of Nigerian workers and retirees.

    It would be recalled that the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU initiated  on Monday commenced an indefinite strike due to the non-payment of salaries for the past four months.

    Consequently, university operations nationwide have been severely disrupted.

    In a previous interview,  the National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, indicated that university officials, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, have not received their salaries for four months.

    He emphasized that the universities would remain entirely closed until the outstanding payments were addressed.

  • NASU, SSANU declare indefinite nationwide strike over withheld salaries

    NASU, SSANU declare indefinite nationwide strike over withheld salaries

    The Joint Action Committee(JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in the universities, has directed its members to proceed on a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday.

    It said this followed the non payment of the four months withheld salaries of its members.

    The JAC comprises the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU.

    This was contained in a circular addressed to all branch chairmen in the universities and inter-university centres.

    The circular was jointly signed by Mr Peters Adeyemi, General-Secretary of NASU and Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, President, of SSANU, was issued in Abuja on unday.

    The circular was entitled, “Latest development in respect of the withheld four months salaries”.

    It said JAC regretted that in spite of President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the 50 per cent of the four months withheld salaries to be paid none of its members had received any payment.

    “It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of government to our cause is in doubt.

    “In view of this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to mid-night of Sunday, 27th October 2024.

    “This is to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike.

    “We have to do this strategic change in timing for effective co-ordination and for both unions to be on same page.

    “We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured,”‘ it said.

  • NASU, SSANU kick against move to re-negotiate contentious 2009 agreement

    NASU, SSANU kick against move to re-negotiate contentious 2009 agreement

    The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has expressed displeasure over the inauguration of a re-negotiation committee by the Federal Government.

    The committee was inaugurated to re-negotiate the contentious 2009 agreement with university based unions. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both unions said this in a statement jointly signed by Mr Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU and Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Recall that the re-negotiation committee was inuagurated on Tuesday by the Minister of Education. The JAC said that the unions were not given due recognition.

    According to the statement, the JAC of NASU and SSANU hereby strongly expresses its displeasure at the inauguration of re-negotiation committee of the 2009 agreements with university based Unions on Oct. 15.

    “Firstly, the reference on the letters of invitation to NASU and SSANU indicated ASUU, implying that the letters originated from ASUU’s file rather than from the files of our two Unions.

    “The event appeared to have been primarily focused on ASUU with the other unions seemingly included as an afterthought.

    “The minister of education’s inauguration speech centered almost entirely on ASUU, with only brief and cursory mentions of the other unions,” it said.

    It said that the preferential treatment given to the ASUU leadership at the inauguration was unfair to the other unions.

    “To confirm our fears, at the venue of the inauguration, the two unions witnessed a most humiliating experience.

    “The President of ASUU was placed on what was referred to as the “responsibility table” and the presidents of other unions looked on from their positions of “irresponsibility” from the proceeding,”it said.

    It said that it was also obvious that NASU and SSANU were only invited as mere spectators to give a semblance of legitimacy and acceptability to an already concluded renegotiation exercise.

    It further said that the President of ASUU alone was invited to give a response on behalf of other unions without consultation.

    “He ended up speaking on behalf of his union, this clearly showed that the opinions and experiences of other Unions do not matter in the re-negotiation.

    “The proceedings of the entire inauguration has clearly shown the imbalance of relationship and the obvious unfair treatment that would be meted out to NASU and SSANU if the renegotiation process continues in this manner.

    “Consequently, the JAC of NASU and SSANU hereby condemns the entire inauguration process.

    “It signals a potential bias in favour of academic staff in the upcoming negotiations, to the detriment of non-teaching staff,”the statement said.

    NASU appeals to finance ministry to pay withheld salaries

    Meanwhile, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has appealed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to pay withheld salaries of its members.

    Dr Makolo Hassan, President of NASU, who made the appeal during a two-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, urged the minister to pay 50 per cent of the withheld salaries as directed by President Bola Tinubu.

    According to him, the Federal Government has yet to resolve the issue of the four months unpaid salaries of NASU members in the universities and inter-university centres.

    “This is in spite of the fact that we have been informed that President Bola Tinubu has directed that 50 per cent of the unpaid salary, that is the two months, be paid.

    “We are reliably informed that the finance minister is the one sitting on the directive of Mr President on the matter.

    “NASU will therefore, like to use this forum to appeal to him to ensure that the directive is implemented to avert further industrial crisis in our universities and inter-university centres,”he said.

    He called on the Federal Government to speedily address the various issues as contained in the different agreements and Memoranda of Understanding entered with the leadership of the union.

    Makolo also called on the government to enhance the living standards of the bon-teaching staff by granting them the privilege of enjoying the newly approved 65 years retirement age and 40 years of service.

    He further appealed to the government to constitute the boards of the research institutions to enhance their productivity.

    He also called on the President to ensure that the board of the teaching/specialist hospitals were constituted towards ensuring effectiveness in their performance.

    He said that the education sector faced significant challenges, particularly funding, infrastructure decay and staff welfare that have hindered the fulfillment of the institutions’ mandates.

    Also, Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, while declaring open the NEC meeting, urged all to support one another in building an education system with pride and a legacy for the future generations.

    Mamman, represented by Prof. Pauline Okwelle, Executive Secretary of National Commission for Colleges of Education, said that in the face of economic challenges, there was need to focus on enhancing productivity.

    “This requires us to be adaptable and innovative.The digital economy presents us with numerous opportunities to streamline and improve our services.

    ” Let us embrace technology, not as a threat, but as a tool to enhance our efficiency.

    “Training and development in digital skills will empower us to do our jobs more effectively, align for better service delivery, and increase productivity.

    “I encourage you to participate in workshops and training sessions that will equip you with the necessary skills to strive in this evolving landscape.

    “As representatives of our institutions, we must exemplify professionalism and integrity in all our interactions. This not only boosts our reputation, it also instills confidence among members of our academic community,”he said.

    Earlier, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, said that the role of non-academic staff was crucial in the advancement of education.

    According to Maikudi, it is important to recognise that the smooth operation of any educational institution depends on the hard work, commitment, and efficiency of non-academic staff.

    “From administrative duties to ensuring that our campuses are conducive for learning, research and innovation, your contribution is essential to the success of the university system and education as a whole,”she said.

  • Despite presidential directive, SSANU laments over non-payment of withheld salaries

    Despite presidential directive, SSANU laments over non-payment of withheld salaries

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has reiterated the call for the immediate payment of the four months withheld salaries of its members.

    Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU.  said this in a communique issued on Sunday in Abuja,  at the end of the union’s 49th Regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

    Recall that President Bola Tinubu had directed that all withheld salaries of the lecturers should be paid.

    Ibrahim said that the meeting was called to addresses grievances,  ranging from withheld salaries, to systemic policy failures and the delay in implementing the agreement reached with its memebers.

    “The continued non-payment of four months’ salaries for SSANU and NASU members, despite a presidential directive for their release, featured prominence at the meeting.

    “We are perplexed that our members have yet to receive their due salaries nearly two months after the directive. The NEC has called on relevant government agencies to expedite the payment,” Ibrahim said.

    He also said that another major concern was the unpaid Earned Allowances, which were budgeted at N50 billion in 2023 but remained unsettled.

    He urged the government to investigate the delay and release the funds urgently to prevent further disruption in the education sector.

    “The NEC also called for swift re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and SSANU.

    “While we appreciate the reconstitution of the negotiation committee, we urge the government to expedite the process and include us promptly,”  he said.

    Ibrahim also denounced the rising costs of university tuition and utility tariffs. He expressed concern that the increases, exacerbated by recent economic policies, were unaffordable for many Nigerians and could further strain university operations.

  • Tinubu bows to pressure orders payment of SSANU, NASU withheld salaries

    Tinubu bows to pressure orders payment of SSANU, NASU withheld salaries

    The Nigerian government has agreed to the payment of the withheld salaries of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) members.

    Minister of State for Labour, Mrs Nkiru Onyejeocha, said President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu and their education counterpart, Professor Tahir Mamman, to work out modalities f or the payment.

    She said the president assured the organised labour that he would not disappoint.

    “Recall that Labour met Mr President last week, and they asked that he should give them one week to consult more. And of course, at the end of the day, the consultation came, very fruitful because the President said he has to be a father.

    That it is not the issue of the law of who is right, or who will blink first, that he is our father like he has always said. That we should end the issue of give me 1000, add 1000 and all that.

    “That, first and foremost, that the review of this minimum wage policy has to be reduced to three years, that five years is too long a time to get any minimum wage review, that is not very healthy. And of course, that labour should look at the indices of the economy and accept N70, 000 minimum wage, and of course, that it has to be reviewed every three, years.

    Not more than that, of course, so that we will be able to evaluate and see whether our economy is picking up, or whether something has to be done further, considering the sensitivity of the issue.

    “And, of course, he promised and asked that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Budget and Economic Planning, Education should make sure that they go back to the books, because he has the discretion to look into the issue of SSANU, NASU and all that, so that their money should be paid.

    “And they should work out the modalities, whether it’s 50%, but that he has given that waiver that they should be paid. Of course, that issue of no work, no pay and all that issue has to be laid to a rest,” Onyejeocha said.

    Besides, she further said: “And apart from that, I believe other things that were discussed, Mr. President reassured Nigerians that he is not going to rest, he is working diligently to make sure that our economy recovers. That that has to be taken into consideration. But he’s not going to joke with the welfare of Nigerians.”

  • Tinubu orders payment of NASU, SSANU our months withheld salaries  

    Tinubu orders payment of NASU, SSANU our months withheld salaries  

    The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun and Education Minister Prof Tahir Mamman, have been directed by President Bola Tinubu, to find solutions for paying four months’ salaries owed to university non-teaching staff, including members of SSANU and NASU.

    Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), revealed this after a meeting between organized labour leaders and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

    He stated that the labour unions had reported the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command to the President for forcefully halting their peaceful protest against the withheld salaries.