NASU has defended university union strikes, saying they protect workers’ rights and improve learning conditions.
The union accused government of unfairly applying the “no work, no pay” policy during disputes.
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has defended the frequent industrial actions by university-based unions, saying such moves are essential to protect workers’ rights and improve the learning environment.
Speaking during the National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, NASU General Secretary, Peter Adeyemi, said that persistent agitations have led to better funding and infrastructural development in universities. He argued that while the government enforces the “no work, no pay” policy, it has ignored the “no pay, no work” principle that should apply in fairness.
Adeyemi described the “no work, no pay” rule under Section 42 (1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act as a tool used to intimidate unions, stressing that strikes are recognized globally by the International Labour Organization as a legitimate industrial action.
NASU President, Dr. Hassan Makolo, also urged the federal and state governments to adopt a living wage policy that reflects current economic realities. He called for improved security in schools to protect staff and students from attacks and abductions.
In a related development, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has sought the intervention of former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, in its ongoing dispute with the Federal Government.
According to Wamakko’s media team, ASUU’s National Vice President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, led a delegation to the senator’s residence in Abuja, urging him to use his influence to restore dialogue between both sides. Piwuna said the visit was aimed at achieving lasting peace in the education sector, not for political reasons.
Wamakko assured the delegation of his readiness to help resolve the dispute, describing the prolonged crises in the university system as harmful to national development.
