NLC, ASUU, other tertiary unions meet over nationwide strike

THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commenced a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to deliberate on the ongoing strike disrupting academic activities across the country.

The meeting, which took place at the NLC national headquarters in Abuja, also had representatives from the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) in attendance.

Earlier, the NLC had invited all union leaders from tertiary institutions to deliberate on lasting solutions to the crisis, which arose after negotiations between the unions and the Federal Government collapsed.

Nigeria’s tertiary education system has suffered repeated disruptions over the years, with the latest strike forcing universities nationwide to shut down.

ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the industrial action during a press conference at the University of Abuja on Sunday. This followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on September 28. The union blamed the strike on unresolved matters related to staff welfare, unpaid salaries, poor infrastructure, and the government’s failure to implement the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

Although the Federal Government recently claimed progress in negotiations, with Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa stating that ₦50 billion had been released for earned allowances and ₦150 billion included in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, ASUU dismissed these offers as inadequate.

The union’s demands include full implementation of the 2009 agreement, payment of withheld salaries, improved funding for universities, protection of members from victimisation, settlement of pending promotions and arrears, and release of withheld union and cooperative deductions.

The NLC has reaffirmed its support for ASUU and other education unions, urging the government to honour its agreements and respect workers’ rights.

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The ongoing meeting is expected to determine the unions’ next line of action and propose strategies to protect the welfare of academic workers while safeguarding the future and stability of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.