UNILAG NASU Hosts National Trade Group Council Meeting, Calls for Inclusive Welfare Reforms

The University of Lagos branch of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) played host to representatives of universities and inter-university centres from across Nigeria at the Trade Group Council Meeting, held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Tayo Aderinokun Memorial Hall.

The event, which brought together stakeholders from the education sector nationwide, served as a platform to discuss pressing issues affecting non-teaching staff in universities and other tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the meeting, the National President of NASU, Dr. Makolo Hassan, emphasized the urgency of addressing pressing issues affecting non-teaching staff. He decried arbitrary deductions from staff salaries and called on the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to take decisive action.

Dr. Hassan also addressed the disbursement of the ₦50 billion allowance recently approved by the Federal Government. He stressed that the funds were meant to benefit all staff unions involved in the negotiations, not just academic staff. According to him, “The struggle for this disbursement was collective. NASU played a vital role in the negotiation process, and its members deserve a fair share of the benefits.”

He reiterated NASU’s involvement in the 2009 renegotiation agreement and affirmed the Union’s unwavering commitment to staff welfare. “We have held several meetings, written letters, and submitted necessary documentation to relevant authorities. No matter how cloudy the weather is, the sun of happiness will shine on our members,” he assured.

Also speaking, the Deputy National President of NASU, Comrade Buhari Sulaiman, highlighted the importance of meetings like this in evaluating past performance, strategizing for the future, and addressing sector-wide issues. He lamented the decline in the quality of education in Nigeria, attributing it to inadequate funding, policy inconsistency, and the government’s failure to honour agreements with unions.

Comrade Sulaiman expressed concern over the 2025 national budget’s 9.2% allocation to education, calling it a significant deviation from UNESCO’s recommended 15–20% for developing countries. He emphasized that education must be properly funded to meet global standards.

He also addressed the negative impact of corruption, youth unemployment, and poor infrastructure on the nation’s development, describing corruption as the “antithesis of progress.”

Commending the University of Lagos management, he expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, and the entire university community for their support in making the event a success.

Adding to the discourse, the Lagos State NASU Chairman, Comrade O.T. Olawore, reiterated the union’s commitment to tackling the challenges facing the education sector, including brain drain, poor infrastructure, and insufficient government intervention. “Despite the odds, the Union remains resolute in the struggle,” he affirmed.

In her address, the Chairperson of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sessi Agnes, applauded NASU’s tenacity and longstanding commitment to staff welfare. She encouraged union members to pursue academic advancement, stating that “the language of negotiation is sound education.” She emphasized that value and respect are earned through knowledge and commended the increasing number of NASU members who now hold Ph.Ds.

In a joint address, Comrade Olayinka, Chairman of the UNILAG NASU branch, alongside representatives from the College of Medicine, reflected on the branch’s achievements in the areas of staff welfare and event organization. He praised the synergy among members and expressed confidence that the meeting’s communique would serve as a valuable tool in future engagements and negotiations.

The event was graced by several notable figures, including Comrade Aderinogbe, Comrade Damola Adelakun, UTA Secretary, Professor Oluseyi Ajayi (representing the Provost of the College of Medicine), Barrister Takor (former NASU President), Prince Peter Adeyemi (General Secretary of NASU), Comrade Ogunmokun, Comrade Ojo Ebenezer (NLC Treasurer), and Itemdagbo Eshomounu Asokolhene (Director/Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment), among others.