The Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions (NASU) has cautioned the Federal Government against applying a discriminatory attitude in the payment of the N50 billion earned allowances for varsity workers.

Toeing the same line with its National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), NASU said if the earned allowances are paid to the academic staff only, it will proceed with immediate strike.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the regular meeting of the universities and inter-university centres trade group council, the Deputy President of NASU, Buhari Suleiman and the secretary of the trade group, ‘Damola Adelakun, frowned at the alleged divide-and-rule by the government aimed at setting up the teaching staff against the non-teaching staff, which is not healthy for the sector.

The council urged the Federal Government to start implementation of the agreement both parties reached with immediate effect to avert another round of industrial unrest in the Universities and Inter-University Centres.

“Council further resolved that if the Earned Allowances are only paid to the Teaching staff, NASU members will withdraw their services immediately. Council further resolved that if the Earned Allowances is only paid to the Teaching staff, NASU members will withdraw their services immediately,” it stated.

While calling for the release of the N50 billion, NASU bemoaned the nonchalant attitude of the Federal Government in addressing the demands of the Unions in the University sector that led to the protracted strike witnessed in the year 2022.

The council upheld the sanctity of the collective agreement reached by the Federal Government with NASU under the auspices of JAC of NASU and SSANU in the University sector on 20th August 2022.

It noted that one of the fundamental agreements reached was for the government to release N50 billion for the payment of earned allowances to staff of universities and inter-university centres.

It further noted that for more than two and a half years after the signing of the agreement, the government has kept mute on the payment to the non-teaching staff while efforts are ongoing to pay the teaching staff.

Also, while acknowledging the payment of two months out of the four months withheld salaries of May to August 2022, the council noted that the introduction of ”No Work, No Pay’ imposed on NASU members during the prolonged strike action of year 2022 was principally caused by the government’s insensitivity and refusal to implement agreements reached with the union provoked the strike action that lasted for four months.

In the same breath, the council noted with appreciation the waiver granted by President Bola Tinubu that culminated in the payment of 50 per cent of the withheld salaries.

The council equally frowned at the non-remittance of third-party deductions associated with the two-month payment.

It urged the government to release the remaining 50 per cent in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice since the strike was foisted on its members and that it followed all the laid down procedures before commencing the strike action.

To prevent academic disruption in the federal universities, NASU called for the resumption of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreements.

It acknowledged the inauguration of the FGN/ university-based unions 2009 agreement renegotiation committee held on 15th October 2024, noting that the government team had only met once with NASU/SSANU under JAC on 10th December 2024, and since then, nothing has been heard from the government team.

It added: “Council recalled that the last Renegotiation Committee under Late Prof. Nimi Briggs did not conclude the renegotiation as only the non-monetary aspects of the renegotiation were considered while the monetary aspects were yet to be discussed. Council noted that the inconclusive nature of the exercise left NASU members in the Universities and Inter-University Centres frustrated as crucial aspects of their welfare and working conditions remain unresolved.”

It subsequently called on the newly-inaugurated Federal Government Renegotiation Committee under the chairmanship of Dr Mahmud Yayale Ahmed to ensure the processes are completed in the interest of fair labour practices and respect for the rules of engagement.