The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have launched an indefinite, nationwide strike, demanding the immediate release of their four months’ withheld salaries. In a joint statement on Sunday, SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi condemned the Federal Government’s inaction despite repeated warnings, describing the situation as “appalling.”
SSANU and NASU directed members across Nigeria’s public universities and inter-university centers to hold joint congresses on Monday, October 28, 2024, and initiate a comprehensive strike without concessions. This move follows an ultimatum issued on September 17, 2023, when the unions gave the government three weeks to settle the unpaid salaries, warning that failure to act would result in industrial action. The deadline passed with no response, prompting the unions to proceed with their plan.
The unions’ frustration over delayed payments has grown over time. In previous protests and warning strikes, SSANU and NASU expressed their dissatisfaction by shutting down services across university campuses, including administration, hostel management, and electricity supply. Despite these measures, they claim the government has consistently failed to address their demands.
SSANU and NASU leaders argue that their grievances stem from unfair treatment. In 2022, both academic and non-academic unions went on an eight-month strike to advocate for improved welfare and working conditions. While President Bola Tinubu later authorized the release of withheld salaries to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), SSANU and NASU report that non-academic staff received no such payments. This perceived inequity has fueled their current strike, with union leaders now demanding equal treatment.
The unions believe the Federal Government’s inconsistent approach to handling university staff reflects a broader problem within the education sector. Education Minister Tahir Mamman previously blamed a “communication problem” for the delayed payments, denying that non-academic staff faced discrimination. However, SSANU and NASU remain unconvinced, interpreting their exclusion as systematic unfairness.
The strike is expected to disrupt Nigeria’s public university operations nationwide. As non-academic staff withdraw their services, administrative, security, and maintenance functions may grind to a halt. With this industrial action, SSANU and NASU seek immediate payment of their withheld salaries and demand fair treatment across all university staff.
