SSANU and NASU threaten an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries, giving the Nigerian government a three-week ultimatum to fulfil their demands.

The Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) have warned of an indefinite strike if the Nigerian government fails to address their demands within three weeks.

The unions are demanding the payment of four months’ withheld salaries and the implementation of their 2009 agreement with the government.

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In a joint statement signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi, the unions noted that the initial grace period given to the government expired on July 26, 2024, without action.

They have now extended a fresh ultimatum from September 17, urging the government to pay the outstanding salaries or face a nationwide shutdown of universities.

SSANU and NASU accuse the Federal Government of failing to act on the six-week ultimatum issued in July, highlighting unresolved issues like improved remuneration, earned allowances, and failure to meet the agreed terms of their 2009 pact.

The unions warn that failure to address these concerns could result in significant disruptions across universities and inter-university centres.

The Lagos State Government has increased boarding fees in model colleges to N100,000 per term, citing improved student welfare as the reason.

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced an increase in boarding fees for its model colleges, effective from the 2024/2025 academic session.

According to a statement released by Mr Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the adjustment is necessary to improve the welfare of students in public boarding schools across the state.

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Lawal explained that the N35,000 fee, which has been in place since 2021, is no longer sustainable due to rising costs.

The newly approved fee of N100,000 will be implemented from the resumption of the 2024/2025 session in September 2024.

The Ministry recognises that the decision has faced criticism from some parents but emphasised the importance of ensuring students’ welfare, including proper nutrition and other essential services such as energy costs for cooking.

The fees, paid every term, are allocated for feeding, janitorial services, and other costs necessary for maintaining the hostels.

Lawal highlighted the numerous benefits students in Lagos model colleges receive, including free tuition, education infrastructure, technology support, and payment of terminal examination fees, such as WAEC.

He added that the state government remains considerate with the increase when compared to similar institutions across Nigeria.

The Ministry urged parents to understand the rationale behind the increase and to cooperate for the benefit of the children.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced plans to integrate technology into Nigeria’s education system to enhance learning outcomes, inspired by India’s success with KYAN smart class solutions.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that the Federal Government plans to integrate technology into Nigeria’s education system to improve learning outcomes.

During a meeting with the World Bank Nigeria team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima outlined the government’s commitment to addressing human capacity and resource challenges within the education sector.

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Shettima assured that President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to leveraging technological advancements to add value to the country.

He drew inspiration from India’s use of KYAN smart class solutions, which teach 50,000 pupils in rural areas, and expressed confidence that similar innovations could transform Nigeria’s education system.

“The integration of technology will significantly upgrade our education system,” Shettima said. He also stressed the need for a comprehensive education reform plan, including better infrastructure, teacher training, and technological implementation.

Shettima emphasized that the federal government is committed to driving these changes, but success will require the cooperation of all stakeholders, including state governors.

Dr. Ndiame Diop, World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, highlighted the bank’s focus on improving governance, health, and education through its HOPE series projects.

These initiatives aim to reform governance processes, primary healthcare, and education facilities across Nigeria, with an emphasis on human capital development.