Ebonyi State University’s management has appealed to the striking unions within the institution to prioritize dialogue in their pursuit of demands.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Other Associated Institutions, and the National Association of Academic Technologists went on an indefinite strike on Thursday, citing non-payment of their salaries and other entitlements.

Patrick Itumo, the university’s Public Relations Officer, made the plea on behalf of the management in Abakaliki on the same day.

He said, “The Management is surprised that the unions decided to embark on strike at this time in spite of the deep and far-reaching consultations it had with them.

“During the consultations, management has always laid bare, the financial status of the university. By the grace of God, management has been able to pay salaries up to March 2023.

“Governor David Umahi has promised to give EBSU a grant to pay the remaining April 2023 salary,”

During the emergency meeting with the unions on May 9th, he reassured them that the management is wholeheartedly committed to settling the salaries for April and May 2023 before the end of the current administration.

While calling on the striking unions to go back to work, he noted that, “The management is committed to settling the outstanding 20% arrears of salaries cut from the Covid-19 era. To ignore the appeals of EBSU Governing Council does not speak well.”