The Federal Government has initiated the payment of previously withheld salaries to certain university lecturers, particularly those belonging to the recently registered Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), while excluding other teaching staff.

According to reports, payments have been made to NAMDA members at the University of Maiduguri and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

In response to this development, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the National President of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), stated that his union is actively pursuing the payment process for its members as well. He expressed optimism that members of their union would also receive their salaries.

When asked about any assurances given by the federal government, Sunmonu reiterated that it is an ongoing process and his union is closely monitoring the situation.

In response to inquiries, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), stated that the issue would be addressed during the upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union.

"We have an upcoming NEC meeting where we will discuss this matter along with other issues," he stated.

During ASUU's eight-month strike that began on February 14 last year, the government registered NAMDA and CONUA. Both CONUA and NAMDA have consistently asserted that they did not participate in the strike and continued working until campuses were closed by the authorities.

As a result, the government requested evidence from these two unions to substantiate their claim of working during the strike period. It is on the basis of this evidence that the government has initiated the payment of previously withheld salaries.

Throughout the duration of the strike, the government implemented the 'no work, no pay' policy and withheld the salaries of the striking lecturers for eight months.

In the meantime, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, located in Abuja, has scheduled May 30 as the date to reach a decision on the lawsuit filed by the government against ASUU regarding the strike that took place last year.

On October 14, ASUU halted the strike in compliance with the court's directives.