Lagos: The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has rejected the Federal Government’s offer of a 30 per cent increase in its members’ Consolidated Academic Allowance.
The association described the increment as inadequate and threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the government would not offer it a 40 per cent increment before May 1.
The General Secretary of NASU, Mr Peters Adeyemi, made this known while speaking with journalists at the Regular Meeting of Universities and Inter-University Centres Trade Group Council.
The meeting was held at the Aderemi Makanjula Theatre Hall, Lagos State University.
Adeyemi said that the union would only accept a 40 per cent increment, which the government implemented for the Academic Staff Union of Universities as of January 1.
“The simple thing is to conclude the agreement and give 40 per cent to non-teaching staff.
He said that such a measure would ensure campus stability and that, if the request is not met, the union may consider further action.
He stressed the essential role of non-academic staff in universities, saying institutions cannot function effectively without them.
“We respect our academic colleagues, but they cannot operate without us being on duty. Our role is indispensable in the system,” he said.
He told journalists that Wednesday’s talks focused on renegotiating the allowance and rejecting the 30 per cent offer.
He said that the union would be compelled to take decisive action if the government did not meet its demand by May 1.
Earlier, the Deputy President of NASU, Mr Buhari Suleiman, urged the Federal Government to address challenges in Nigeria’s education system, as well as insecurity and economic hardship in the country.
Suleiman said the education sector, the foundation of national development, faces severe challenges, including underfunding, corruption, poor infrastructure, and unfulfilled union agreements.
According to him, the situation requires urgent intervention to prevent further decline and reposition the education sector to meet global standards.
Suleiman expressed concern about the economic hardships faced by some Nigerians and urged the government to intervene urgently.
“The government must take decisive steps to diversify the economy, strengthen institutions and improve the standard of living of citizens,” he said.
Suleiman called corruption a major barrier to Nigeria’s progress, urging stronger anti-corruption efforts and more transparency and accountability.
Earlier, the Chairman of NASU, LASU Branch, Mr Sanni Obafemi, praised the university’s management for its commitment to workers’ welfare and institutional development.
Obafemi said the meeting strengthened NASU unity and addressed worker issues in universities and inter-university centres.
He thanked LASU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello for her effective leadership, crediting her administration with improved LASU rankings and higher applicant interest.
He also praised university management for prioritising staff welfare and responding to union concerns.
He said that NASU had strengthened its role in university governance by improving its representation on administrative and technical committees.
He said unity is NASU’s greatest strength and urged members to work together for fairness, equity, and solidarity.
The meeting will continue on Thursday.
