N50bn Selective Disbursement To Trigger New Wave Of Industrial Unrest

The leadership of Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) has issued a stern warning to the federal government over selective implementation of agreements and payment delays in the tertiary education sector, warning that any bias in disbursing the promised N50b Earned Allowance could trigger a new wave of industrial unrest.

Reiterating the readiness of the union to embark on strike to if and when the demand is not met, the General Secretary of NASU, Comrade Prince Peter Adeyemi stated that the union has exhausted the available means to resolve it amicably.

According to Adeyemi, another reason for the planned strike is that, “They have tried to divide the ranks of the unions. Particularly in the universities. So, when the earned allowance is released, they will put the non-teaching staff on one side, and the academics on another side.

“And when they want to share the money, they will give 20 per cent to the three non-teaching staff unions and give 70 per cent to the academics. We protested over this.

“In fact this was part of the reasons why we embarked on that long strike in 2022. And as of August 2022, while the strike lasted for about four months, we were invited to a meeting, chaired by the former minister of education, minister Adamu, Adamu, with his team. And there was an agreement that was signed.’’

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Also commenting on the issue, NASU’s President, Comrade Dr Hassan Makolo, strongly criticised the federal government over unpaid arrears, faulty implementation of the IPPIS, and delays in renegotiating the 2009 agreement.

Makolo slammed the continued non-payment of third-party deductions, promotions, and union dues, calling it a betrayal of trust.

On his part, the Lagos State Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, Timothy Olawore, lamented about the persistent challenges plaguing Nigeria’s education sector.

Olawore cited inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and brain drain as major setbacks.