NASU rejects FG’s 30% offer, insists on parity, threatens shutdown

By Henry Obetta

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has intensified its opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed 30 per cent allowance increase for non-teaching staff, insisting on parity with the 40 per cent approved for academic staff and warning of a possible nationwide shutdown of tertiary institutions.

The union made its position known on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the University and Inter-University Centres Trade Group Council meeting at the Lagos State University, LASU. Ojo.

NASU General Secretary, Prince Peter Adeyemi, described the government’s decision as unfair and a breach of ongoing negotiations.

“We have not concluded negotiations, yet government went ahead to announce a 30 per cent increase. That raises serious concerns about the sincerity of the process,” he said.

Adeyemi argued that granting academics 40 per cent while offering non-teaching staff 30 per cent would worsen existing disparities.

“It does not make sense to grant academics 40 per cent and give non-teaching staff 30 per cent. You are widening the disparity. Even if the percentages are the same, the gap will still exist due to differences in salary levels,” he stated.

He noted that NASU members across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education have continued to implement agreements reached with other unions without enjoying similar benefits.

“Our members are already restive. We are nearing the end of April, and nothing concrete has been concluded,” he added.

The union called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure fairness in the renegotiation process.
“If you give them 40 per cent, give us 40 per cent. It will still not amount to the same thing, but at least it will be fair,” Adeyemi said.

Also speaking, NASU National President, Hassan Makolo, stressed the critical role of non-academic staff in the university system, warning against attempts to undermine the union.

“NASU is a very important part of the university system. The law recognises university workers as academic, administrative, and professional. These three groups must work together for the system to succeed,” he said.

He cautioned against what he described as “divide and rule tactics” within the system.

“Some people try to create the impression that one group is more important than the other. That is not true. All are important. If you neglect NASU, you are on your own,” he warned.

Makolo also accused some Vice-Chancellors of undermining union activities.

“There are Vice-Chancellors who are not comfortable with unions. Some even suspend union dues to paralyse union activities in their institutions. That is unacceptable,” he said.

He, however, commended university administrators who maintain cordial relations with unions, citing Lagos State University as an example.

“We want others to emulate institutions where management and unions work together. You can see the cooperation and mutual respect there,” he noted.

Adeyemi confirmed that the Minister of Education has withdrawn the controversial circular and scheduled a fresh meeting with NASU before the end of April.

However, he warned that failure to reach a satisfactory agreement could trigger industrial action.

“We have given notice. If by the end of April nothing is done, we will have no option but to shut down the campuses,” he said.

He emphasised that non-teaching staff remain indispensable to the smooth running of tertiary institutions.

“Without non-teaching staff, the system cannot function,” he stressed.

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