Francis Okeke and Maureen Onochie
5 November 2009
Abuja — Non academic staff of universities yesterday suspended indefinitely the strike action they embarked upon since June over pay increase.
Non Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) yesterday signed agreement with the government which jerked up the salaries of the workers by 53.3% as well as increased retirement age for the workers by five years from 60 to 65 years. Leadership of the three unions signed on behalf of their members, while the head of government's negotiating team Chief Gamaliel Onosode signed on behalf of the Federal Government. Chairman of Committee of Pro-Chancellors (CPC) Chief Wale Babalakin signed for the committee.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Education Dr. Sam Egwu said government would convene a national stakeholders' summit on university education to check the rot in the system as well as find a lasting solution to strike actions in the sector.
"We have come to the end of strikes and I want to tell you that government is committed; we are not playing politics, we are committed to refocusing the education system and I call on you to support and be part of the process" he said.
"We have seen that of all the knotty issues that have delayed this negotiation all these years have all been resolved because of the conviction of government that this sector is very vital. What has happened today is an indication that government means well with regards to the 7-point agenda especially on human capacity development.
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