Negotiations between the Federal Government and striking university workers have ended in a deadlock, with no immediate resolution in sight as the industrial action continues to shut down public universities across the country.
Talks involving government representatives and leaders of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions failed to produce an agreement, leading to another adjournment of the meeting.
The meeting is expected to resume today by 3:00 p.m. for further discussions.
The indefinite strike, which began on April 30, has crippled academic and administrative activities nationwide, shutting down clinics, hostels, administrative blocks, and other essential services in public universities.
At the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), authorities have postponed e-examinations due to the disruption, while workers at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) staged a peaceful protest on Monday over unresolved welfare issues and delays in renegotiating agreements with the Federal Government.
The strike followed the expiration of a one-month ultimatum issued by the unions, demanding the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with non-teaching staff unions.
The unions have rejected the Federal Government’s unilateral 30 per cent salary increase, insisting instead on a 40 per cent adjustment. They also accused the government of failing to adhere to the collective bargaining process as required by labour laws.
Sources at the meeting said government representatives explained the withdrawal of the earlier offer and appealed to the unions to suspend the strike while talks continue.
However, the union leaders reportedly refused to suspend the action without consulting their respective organs, resulting in the breakdown of negotiations.
With universities still shut and no agreement reached, students and stakeholders continue to count losses as the crisis drags on.