Umaru Yar’Adua University Staff Suspend Strike After 10 Days Total Shutdown
The four in-house unions of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, have suspended their ongoing strike after 10 days of total shutdown of the institution.
A statement signed by Saminu Salisu Haiba on behalf of all the unions on Thursday, said the suspension of the strike action was due to “constructive engagements with a committee established by the Katsina State Government”.
The unions are the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
According to the statement, the suspension is to pave way for the implementation of mechanisms aimed at sustaining industrial harmony in the institution.
“The decision followed the state government’s agreement to address key issues that led to the strike. These include the suspension of the takeover of the university’s portal by a third-party company, FlexiSaf Edusoft Limited; approval of appropriate salary structures for all categories of staff; and other policy-related concerns.”
The unions said the committee had shown commitment to the faithful implementation of the agreed terms, as captured in a jointly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
However, the unions said that one major issue, the payment of 34 months’ arrears owed to members, has remained unresolved.
The unions also said they agreed to return to work after the Chancellor of the University, Senator Ibrahim Ida, personally intervened and appealed for the temporary suspension of the strike.
They believed that he would keep to his words in taking appropriate steps to resolve the matter within a reasonable timeframe.
“In the spirit of respect, trust, and the Chancellor’s credible assurance, our members have agreed to temporarily suspend action on this demand,” the statement added.
The unions expressed appreciation to the Visitor to the University for his understanding and commitment, the Chancellor for his intervention, and the state government’s committee for its efforts.
They also commended students, parents, and the general public for their patience and understanding throughout the industrial action.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the progress and stability of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University and reaffirm our readiness to cooperate with all stakeholders toward sustaining industrial harmony,” the statement added.
