The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has demanded the same allowance package approved for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), insisting that non-academic employees deserve equal welfare benefits in ongoing renegotiations with the Federal Government.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), NASU General Secretary, Comrade Peters Adeyemi, said the union had rejected the Federal Government’s offer of a 30 per cent increase in allowances and was insisting on parity with the 40 per cent increase approved for ASUU members.
Adeyemi said the outcome of the negotiations would have a direct impact on the welfare and remuneration of thousands of non-academic workers across federal tertiary institutions.
According to him, NASU members perform indispensable roles within universities and should not be treated differently when it comes to welfare packages and negotiated entitlements.
He said the union’s position is rooted in fairness, noting that academic and non-academic employees are equally exposed to the prevailing economic pressures.
“We are demanding that whatever is given to ASUU should also be given to us because we face the same economic realities,” Adeyemi said.
He disclosed that NASU had rejected an earlier government proposal for a 30 per cent increase in allowances because it fell short of the 40 per cent approved for ASUU members.
“The government offered us 30 per cent and we said no. Though they are our senior colleagues, but we all go to the same market and buy the same fuel,” he said.
Adeyemi argued that landlords, transport operators, and service providers do not differentiate between academic and non-academic workers when determining rents, fares, and other charges.
“The cost of living affects all workers equally. We cannot accept a situation where one group receives significantly better allowances than another,” he said.
The NASU General Secretary disclosed that negotiations with the Federal Government had made substantial progress and were nearing completion in the university sector.
He explained that agreements reached for universities would serve as a template for subsequent negotiations covering polytechnics and colleges of education, where NASU also represents employees.
“We are almost reaching the end of the renegotiation process for universities. Once we conclude that, the other sectors may not be as difficult,” he said.
Adeyemi also accused the government of delays in implementing agreements reached with labour unions, warning that such lapses have often contributed to industrial disputes and disruptions within tertiary institutions.
He stressed that genuine collective bargaining remains critical to industrial harmony and urged government representatives to honour agreements reached through negotiations.
“When agreements are freely entered into, they should be implemented. Failure to do so only creates avoidable crises in the education sector,” he said.
Adeyemi expressed optimism that the ongoing discussions would yield favourable outcomes capable of improving the welfare and working conditions of non-academic staff across federal tertiary institutions.
He added that NASU remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement but expects fair treatment and equitable compensation for its members in line with prevailing economic realities.
The union’s position highlights continuing concerns over pay equity and employee welfare within Nigeria’s tertiary education system, as labour groups intensify calls for compensation structures that reflect rising living costs and promote industrial stability.
