By Barnabas Augustine
Universities in Nigeria are facing uncertainty over the withheld pay of non-teaching staff. This issue was raised on Channels TV's weekday programme, Politics Today.
Corporal News monitored the TV station interviewed Education Minister Tahir Mamman on Wednesday over the non payment of the withheld salaries of the University staff.
The Lingering Issues
Nigerian university workers remain divided over outstanding salaries withheld during an eight-month strike in 2022. The government, under President Bola Tinubu, opted to partially reimburse the teaching staff union (ASUU) in October 2023. However, non-teaching staff unions (SSANU and NASU) are yet to receive any payment.
Unions Allege Unfair Treatment
SSANU and NASU participated in the entire 2022 strike alongside ASUU, demanding better benefits. The government, under the previous administration, enforced a "no work, no pay" policy. While ASUU received a portion of their withheld salaries, the non-teaching staff remain unpaid. This has sparked accusations of discrimination from SSANU and NASU.
Government Explains the Delay
The Education Minister clarified that President Tinubu's approval is necessary for releasing funds to non-teaching staff. The Minister emphasized that ASUU's reimbursement was a special presidential decision and not an automatic policy. He assured that SSANU and NASU's situation is under review.
Potential Partial Payment and Timeline Unknown
The Minister hinted at a possible partial payment for non-teaching staff, likely amounting to half of what ASUU received, considering their shorter strike duration. However, a specific timeframe for the resolution remains undisclosed.
Minister Denies Discrimination
Despite the contrasting treatment, the Minister denied any favouritism towards teaching staff. He stressed the value of both teaching and non-teaching staff in achieving the university's goals. He attributed the situation to a misunderstanding rather than an intentional exclusion.
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