Non teaching staff in Nigeria's tertiary institutions could face an industrial action before the end of April after the Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions rejected the Federal Government's proposed 30 percent allowance increase, demanding parity with the 40 per cent already approved for academic staff.

NASU General Secretary, Prince Peter Adeyemi, disclosed the union's position on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the University and Inter University Centres Trade Group Council meeting at Lagos State University, Ojo. He described the government's offer as a breach of ongoing negotiations.

"We have not concluded negotiations, yet the government went ahead to announce a 30 percent increase. That raises serious concerns about the sincerity of the process," Adeyemi stated.

He argued that the disparity would deepen existing inequalities across the salary structure. "It does not make sense to grant academics 40 percent and give non teaching staff 30 percent. You are widening the disparity. Even if the percentages are the same, the gap will still exist due to differences in salary levels," he added.

Adeyemi confirmed that the Minister of Education had withdrawn a controversial circular and scheduled a fresh meeting with the union before the end of April. The warning, however, remained firm. "If by the end of April nothing is done, we will have no option but to shut down the campuses," he said.

NASU National President, Hassan Makolo, reinforced the union's position by stressing the indispensable role of non academic workers within the university system. "The law recognises university workers as academic, administrative, and professional. These three groups must work together for the system to succeed," he noted.

Makolo also raised concerns about what he termed divide and rule tactics, and accused certain vice chancellors of undermining union activities by suspending union dues. "There are Vice Chancellors who are not comfortable with unions. Some even suspend union dues to paralyse union activities in their institutions. That is unacceptable," he said.

The Union called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene directly in the renegotiation process. "If you give them 40 percent, give us 40 percent. It will still not amount to the same thing, but at least it will be fair," Adeyemi urged.

NASU represents non teaching staff across Universities, Polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.