In a new wave of industrial action, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to begin on Monday. The strike, prompted by the government’s failure to pay four months of withheld salaries, is scheduled to commence at midnight on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
In a statement addressed to branch chairmen across universities and inter-university centers, the JAC leadership explained that the strike was initially planned for October 23 but was rescheduled to accommodate a crucial NASU Trade Group Council meeting held on October 23-24 at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The decision to strike comes after several unsuccessful attempts by NASU and SSANU to resolve the matter through formal channels. Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU President, emphasized that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 50 percent payment, delays from the Finance Ministry have created skepticism about the government's commitment.
In the circular, JAC expressed regret for the inconvenience but affirmed the need for collective action to ensure justice for non-teaching staff in universities across the nation. We had to make this strategic adjustment for better coordination and to ensure unity between both unions, the statement read. We deeply appreciate your continued commitment to our leadership, and we reaffirm our resolve to continue this struggle until we secure a decisive victory.
This looming strike, expected to impact university operations nationwide, underscores long standing issues around salary payments and government accountability. Both NASU and SSANU have called for swift action from the government to address the unpaid wages and prevent further disruption in the education sector.
As non teaching staff members prepare to strike, stakeholders are urging the government to resolve the salary dispute and avert what could become a prolonged standoff. The unions have emphasized that their goal is not only to secure withheld wages but also to improve overall conditions for university staff. With support from union members and ongoing discussions, JAC remains committed to seeing this through to a resolution, hopeful that sustained action will yield the necessary change.